In the heart of New York City, on a busy street corner, a chance encounter would change the life of Dino forever. While walking home from a long day, he caught sight of an antique box on display. The vendor’s words, “Two for twenty or one for ten,” caught his attention. Dino, eager to make a deal, bought the box for $10. However, he soon realized that the vendor was onto a sales tactic, and he cleverly replied, “I was ready to pay you twenty for the first box.” This conversation stuck with him, and he soon applied this advice to his artistic journey. Born and raised on Long Island, Dino was encouraged by his parents to explore his creative side. He pursued his passion for art at the University of South Florida, where he eventually found his way into the world of advertising in New York City. As a sales agent for editors, directors, and special effects artists, Dino honed his skills, but it wasn’t until he discovered the Art Students League of New York that he truly found his calling. Under the guidance of renowned artists such as Nelson Shanks, Costa Vavagiakis, and Efraim Rubenstein, Dino spent the next twenty years studying and growing as an artist. Dino’s artistic journey has taken him down several paths. He 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. His work has been featured in various collections around the world, adorning walls, restaurants, and businesses. He has also been commissioned to create recreations of famous paintings. A notable example of Dino’s unique style is his use of freehand techniques. He relies on his extensive knowledge of figure and portraiture gained from his twenty years at the Art Students League to create art that is “slightly flawed like me.” This approach allows him to produce one-of-a-kind pieces that showcase his personality and artistic vision. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Dino is also committed to giving back to the community. He has donated his animal portraits and drawings to horse and other animal rescues, using his art to help those in need. His Grateful Dead-themed school bus, which he painted, has become a beloved landmark in its community. Dino’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of following one’s passion. From his humble beginnings as a sales agent to his current status as a successful artist, Dino’s story is an inspiration to anyone looking to pursue their dreams.
| Key Highlights |
|---|
| Dino’s early years in advertising |
| Discovery of the Art Students League of New York |
| Development of freehand techniques |
| Donations to animal rescues |
| Commissioned works and reproductions of famous paintings |
“I am going to take this ten dollar box, use it for still life paintings, and turn that $10 into $10K.” – Dino
Dino’s artistic journey is a journey of self-discovery and growth. With each passing year, he continues to refine his skills and push the boundaries of his art. As he looks to the future, Dino is excited to see where his passion for art will take him next.