Joe Ardizzone was born and raised in Bronx, New York. He has been drawing for most of his life, always wanting to be an artist but never able to pursue that dream. It was around the age of forty, amidst personal crisis and self-reflection that he decided to make some positive changes. The catalyst was a painting class at SUNY Purchase, New York.  He was hooked. 

For the past 18 years he has been studying at the Art Students League of New York. Joe became a monitor for the popular Saturday class of former League President, Lisa Specht. He remained in that class until Mrs. Specht died in 2000. He has served as Monitor in the Members Painting Class (no instructor for the past 7 years enjoying recognition, awards, and community.

The artist’s work has concentrated in certain areas of interest, still life, urban cityscapes, and figurative works. Joe sees and  works in a "larger then life" scale, sometimes called “Mural Size”.  His acrylic paintings are based on observation, but his own unique perception of reality is always evident. The composition is clear, edited cleanly and intentionally designed.

The limited palette, in his hands, results in color harmony and sophistication. His process is one of editing out, distilling detail, to create a graphically powerful image.

Recent work is figurative, 2' x 4' foot panels, from life, in a one-day session. He has exhibited regularly at the Arts Students League of New York and the National Society of Acrylic and Casein. He is represented in many private collections.