Alexandra Pacula, in front of her newest work, Progressive Current. — Photo by Diego Cupolo

Bold, energetic strokes, high contrast, powerful composition and intense color schemes all combine to make Alexandra Pacula‘s paintings quite compelling.

Her work in this style has been evolving for the past five years, and about three years ago, she started adding texture to her brush strokes. Lately they have been increasing in size, and the above painting, Progressive Current, is only her second so large. Painting at this scale provides the opportunity for the artist to use her entire body in a brush stroke, which makes them more expressive. Current will be shown for the first time later this summer in Miami at Nina Torres Fine Art.

Pacula’s drive comes from her immigration from Poland when she was 14, when her parents came here seeking better lives. “I feel like coming to America provided me with an opportunity and I want to take advantage of that. That’s why I work s hard.”