33 1/3 & Under:  Meet Beacon Artist Lizzy DiMuccio

One look at her paintings, the clothes she wears, and the ever-changing shades of her hairstyle will convince you that Beacon-based artist Lizzy DiMuccio is totally obsessed with color.

This 26-year-old painter, sculptor, and digital artist became enthralled with art at a very young age. This came via weekly trips to the local public library with her mom, where she pored through books that introduced her to the classic works of Matisse and Degas, which she dutifully copied.  Lizzy would ultimately go on to study at the prestigious Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute in Florence, Italy – the birthplace of the Renaissance, something that had a significant impact on her art and her view of life.  

Although she was born in California, Lizzy has spent the majority of her life in the Hudson Valley. With her recent move to Beacon, she is drawing inspiration from nature and the thriving community of artists that has grown rapidly in recent years.   

Lizzy’s dramatic, soulful and colorful work can be viewed during Beacon Open Studios Weekend, June 27 – 29, at The Yard.   

INSIDE+OUT: You had a bit of a globe-trotting youth but were raised mainly here in the Hudson Valley.  Can you tell us a bit about that and when you developed an interest in art?

Lizzy DiMuccio: I feel really fortunate to have grown up in the Hudson Valley. Looking back, I don’t think I fully appreciated it as a kid. I was a dedicated competitive athlete, with practices and games taking up most of my time. Art wasn’t something I engaged with regularly then; it just didn’t have a place in my daily routine.

But one thing that made a lasting impression on me was how my mom would take me to the public library every week. I’d come home with stacks of books, and slowly, I started copying the illustrations into a sketchbook. I filled three sketchbooks before I ever showed them to anyone. It was something sacred to me—a private, therapeutic dialogue I didn’t even fully understand at the time.

It took me years to see art as something more than a personal outlet or side hobby, but discovering that passion, almost by accident, has been one of the most defining experiences of my life. 

In high school, I used to spend my lunch periods in the art room. It felt like a sanctuary from the chaos of public school. Even then, I never thought of myself as an “artist.” However, that space gave me room to explore and feel safe creating, and I think that was the first real foundation for the path I’m on now.

You had the fantastic opportunity to study for several years at SRISA, the International School of Art in Florence, Italy.  What was the experience like being the only American student in your class?  And what did you take away in the way of lifestyle and culture from living in Italy?

Studying at the Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute (LDM) in Florence was an incredibly special and transformative experience. I made some of the closest friends of my life while I was there. Being one of the only Americans in my class was eye-opening in the best way. Peers from all over the world surrounded me, and despite our diverse backgrounds, we were united by a shared passion for art. That kind of connection broadened my perspective and helped me grow, both personally and creatively.

Adjusting to a new culture was a challenge at first, but it pushed me to become more independent and confident in myself. At the same time, I started to find my artistic voice truly. The professors at LDM were incredibly supportive and focused on helping each student tap into their individuality. I never felt more seen or encouraged as an artist.

Living in Italy also taught me to slow down and appreciate the beauty of everyday life. It might sound cliché, but I did learn to stop and smell the flowers. I spent entire days in museums, studying and copying the works of the old masters, wholly immersed in the history and atmosphere. Being in that constant state of inspiration—surrounded by talented, motivated peers—was something I’ll carry with me forever. It shaped not only my art but also the kind of life I want to lead.

Who are the artists who have most inspired you, both living artists and some of the long-gone greats?

My inspirations have shifted over time, but a few artists have left a lasting mark. Henri Matisse is a big one for me—I could stare at his work for hours. I’ve always been drawn to his bold use of color and flat, expressive shapes. There’s something so confident and joyful in the way he composed his paintings, and those qualities have influenced how I approach my work.

I also admire Edgar Degas, particularly for his loose, intuitive brushwork and his ability to capture real, everyday moments. That sense of immediacy and honesty in his work is inspiring, even if it shows up more subtly in my practice.

More recently, my biggest inspiration has come from the creative community around me. Since moving back to the Hudson Valley, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with other artists on multimedia projects, participate in themed group shows, and do live painting at festivals. I also regularly support and attend local figure-drawing sessions. They’ve been a great way to stay grounded in traditional techniques while staying connected to fellow artists in the area.

Lastly, music plays a significant role in my creative process. Whatever I’m listening to tends to shape the mood or energy of what I’m working on. One artist in particular, Halsey, has had a massive impact on me. Her lyrics and storytelling have carried me through many long nights in the studio, and her emotional depth continues to influence the atmosphere of my work.

While you are primarily a painter, you also work in many other media – sculpture, installation, jewelry design, and digital media.  What are the positives of working with such a variety of media and materials?  

As an artist, I never want to feel limited by one medium. I’m constantly exploring new ways to create because each material offers its own kind of language. When I hit a creative block, switching to a different medium—whether it’s sculpture, jewelry, or digital work—often helps me reset and rediscover inspiration, especially for my paintings.

Painting will always be my home base. It’s where I feel most grounded and fluent. But ultimately, it’s the act of creating itself that fuels me. Working across different media keeps me loose and flexible. It helps me let go of perfectionism and not over-identify with one piece or process. Sometimes, the best breakthroughs come when I’m not trying so hard to force them.

Exploring different materials also opens up new perspectives. It challenges me to think in new dimensions—literally and conceptually—and that cross-pollination always ends up feeding back into my work in unexpected and exciting ways.

As anyone who visits your Instagram will see, your artistic sense also extends to fashion, specifically in your ever-changing hair color.  Who are your fashion inspirations?  

Fashion, for me, has always been just another form of self-expression. The way I dress—and even the way I color my hair—feels like a natural extension of my art. Clothes, hair, accessories… they’re all visual tools I use to express how I feel or what I’m exploring creatively. Color is a significant part of my work, and that carries over into how I present and adorn myself. I even organize my closet by color, not by season.

I go through phases where I feel deeply connected to certain colors—right now, it’s orange, which is reflected in my current hair color. Embracing this expressive side of myself has made fashion a joyful and evolving part of my creative life.

I also spent several years working in retail, mostly in vintage shops, where I was constantly surrounded by unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. That experience helped me develop an eye for storytelling through clothing—how a single item can have personality and history.

Some of my biggest style inspirations have come from the places I’ve traveled. Morocco and Turkey, in particular, left a lasting impression. The vibrant color combinations, intricate craftsmanship, textiles, and details were all incredibly inspiring. I’m drawn not just to fashion icons or trends but to the color palettes of cities, landscapes, and cultural aesthetics. I view fashion and personal style as an ongoing art project—one that evolves in tandem with my creative practice.

On a personal level, you are an identical twin.  How has that experience shaped life for both you and your sister?  And who has the bragging rights of being the older twin?

Being an identical twin has had an enormous impact on how I see myself and the world. Identity is a significant theme in my work, and that’s mainly because, for most of my life, I was seen as one of two—as a twin, as half of a matched set. It wasn’t until I moved to Italy that I truly experienced life beyond that identity. For the first time, no one knew I had a twin. That shift gave me the space to explore who I was as an individual, not just someone’s sister, but as an artist and a person in my own right. It was a big change, and honestly, I loved it. That experience helped me understand the importance of individuality, especially in a creative life. It allowed me to grow in ways I hadn’t even realized I needed.

Now, I’m back in the Hudson Valley while my twin lives on the West Coast in L.A., and our relationship is stronger than ever. As much as I value our differences and the independence we’ve both built, I’m endlessly grateful for her. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her love, her humor, and her support.

And yes—I have the bragging rights. I’m one minute older, and she fully embraces being the baby of the family.

I understand that you will be participating in the upcoming Beacon Open Studios event, taking place from June 27 to 29.  Where can people view your work?

Yes! I’m so excited to be part of this year’s Beacon Open Studios. My work will be on display at The Yard, located at 4 Hanna Lane, with open gallery hours from 12 to 6 PM throughout the weekend.

Beacon Open Studios is such a special event—it’s more than just an art show. It’s a community-wide celebration of creativity, filled with performances, dance, live painting, and music. It’s all beautifully directed by artist Darya Golubina, who has done a fantastic job of fostering a vibrant and inclusive space for local artists.

One of the traditions I love most about BOS is how it pairs artists with local businesses to create pop-up galleries all around town. It truly transforms Beacon into a walking art experience, giving people the chance to discover new work in unexpected places.

As a participating artist, I’ll be showing my newest collection, titled Chroma Repose. I feel truly honored to be part of this event and to share space with so many talented creatives in our community.

As a member of this growing community of young artists in the Hudson Valley, who are some of your artist friends who inspire you the most? Whose work should we check out?

Every artist participating in Beacon Open Studios is absolutely worth checking out. With such a wide range of media represented, there’s truly something to inspire everyone. That said, there are two contemporaries in particular I’d love to highlight: Sean Willet and Jeonijo (Jeoffrey Nicolas de Jong).

I had the honor of showing alongside both of them last year at Stepping Stone—a multimedia production company, event space, and creative wellness center here in the Hudson Valley. It was a beautiful, collaborative environment, and thanks to Stepping Stone, we were able to create an exhibition that flowed seamlessly between different artistic styles, immersing the community in a truly collective experience.

Sean’s colorful landscape paintings of the Hudson Valley are always a joy to take in—they’re vibrant, familiar, and somehow capture the emotional essence of the places we all call home. Jeoffrey’s work, on the other hand, is rooted in nature. He creates incredible sculptural pieces using found objects and reclaimed materials. There’s something deeply thoughtful and grounded in his approach that I find really inspiring. Both of them, in their own ways, remind me of the power and vibrancy of the Hudson Valley art scene. I feel lucky to be a part of it.

What are your favorite galleries and museums to see art?

I feel incredibly lucky to live so close to one of my favorite museums—Dia: Beacon. It’s one of the largest contemporary art museums in the United States, and it’s truly a gem. The space itself is stunning, with massive galleries and both indoor and outdoor installations. I spend a lot of time there. For Hudson Valley residents, admission is free, making it an even more special and accessible resource for the local community.

A bit farther from home, one of my all-time favorite museums is the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. It holds a truly special place in my heart, dating back to the time I spent living and studying in Italy. The collection spans from ancient art to contemporary work, and it’s home to so many of my favorite Renaissance painters. Just walking through it feels like a conversation with art history.

Another favorite is the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid. The atmosphere there is warm yet sophisticated, and the collection is incredibly diverse. I was especially moved to see works by painters from the Hudson River School there—it felt like a beautiful full-circle moment, seeing artists from my home region represented in such a major international space.

You have lived in several places in the Hudson Valley, but you have recently moved to Beacon with your partner, who is one of the increasing number of people who commute daily to New York City for work.  How has the move been for you, and how has the town’s artistic scene helped you in your career?

Moving to Beacon has been such an exciting and affirming chapter in my life. When we chose it, we had only visited once, but we instantly fell in love. My partner was coming from New York City. I had been living farther upstate, so we were looking for a place that offered the best of both worlds: easy access to the city and the slower, more creative rhythm of upstate living. Beacon checked every box, with its thriving arts scene, walkability, and convenient train line.

We found a spacious loft in a converted textile mill, and one of the most impactful changes for me has been having my studio at home. Being able to live and create in the same space has transformed my process. I can paint whenever inspiration strikes, and my work feels more in sync with the natural rhythm of daily life.

I genuinely love calling Beacon home, but I couldn’t have made this transition without the support of my loving partner. Even though he’s not an artist himself, he’s been my biggest champion, especially as I’ve immersed myself in the local creative community. He commutes into the city about three times a week for work, which gives us a healthy balance between our two worlds.

He’s also become my most special muse. Every piece in my newest collection was created here in Beacon, and many feature him as the subject. If you look closely, you’ll find quiet glimpses of our life together—moments, moods, and memories that have shaped the work. I can’t thank him enough for the love and support he’s shown throughout this journey.

Chroma Repose by Lizzy DiMuccio
Beacon Open Studios Weekend
June 27 – 29
The Yard   

Photos by Lizzy DiMuccio

Follow/Connect with Lizzy DiMuccio via  Facebook | Instagram

Contributing writer Sal Cataldi is a musician, writer and former publicist living in Hudson Valley NY.

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