About The Artist
Born in Port Jefferson on Long Island, Dino was always encouraged by his parents to create art. After studying art at the University of South Florida he found his way into the world of advertising in New York City, though not as an artist but as a sales agent for editors, directors and special effects artists. It was then that he'd discovered the Art Students League of NY. He immediately fell in love with the energy, and the oasis of talent amid the concrete sky scrapers of Manhattan. He began attending the ASL at night and on weekends for more than twenty years, studying and growing as an artist under such luminaries as Nelson Shanks, Costa Vavagiakis and Efraim Rubenstein. He took figure drawing classes, portraiture and color study. Though still working in advertising he felt his focus changing and knew art would eventually take over his life. Several years ago he made the shift from advertising to "almost" full time artist, recently completing the metamorphosis. He lives back on Long Island, minutes from where he grew up, with his wife and daughter voraciously creating art when not spending time with his family or golfing, another of his passions. His work has branched out to include landscape because he loves spending time outside while creating art and gives him an opportunity to interact with and meet new people while embracing nature.
Dino balances his art between creating commissioned work for clients, portraits of people and pets, landscape paintings of their houses, businesses and local spots, as well as portraits of actors and musicians and has begun recreations of famous paintings. His work can be found in collections around the world adorning walls, restaurants and various businesses. He has even painted a Grateful Dead themed school bus. For portraits now he mainly works using photographs with his landscapes and still life paintings from life. He creates his art without the use of grids or projections preferring freehand to create unique art that is slightly flawed, like him. He is always up for a challenge to create something new that he and the client can collaborate on.
He works in oil paint and pencils.
He is currently teaching grisaille inspired painting classes on Tuesday evenings 6-9pm starting January 7th and adding a Thursday 9-12 morning class starting January 9th at the Village center in Port Jefferson. Please visit their website to enroll, for details and supply list. He also offers private lessons in the comfort of your home. For rates please message.