Dino’s journey into the world of art began with a chance encounter on a busy street corner. While walking home to Soho, he stumbled upon a weekend vendor selling antique boxes for $20 each. The vendor’s prompt response to his inquiries set him on a path that would lead to creating over $100,000 worth of art from those very same boxes.
Table of Contents
A Lesson in Negotiation
- When Dino first asked about the price of the box, the vendor replied, “$20 for that one and also $20 for the one next to it.”
- After Dino made his purchase, the vendor offered him a deal: “Two for twenty or one for ten.”
- Dino’s advice to the vendor was, “You never want to drop your price until you see the buyer moving away from you.”
The vendor, amused by Dino’s advice, chuckled and replied, “Okay, my friend.”
A Passion for Art
Dino’s love for art was encouraged by his parents from a young age. After studying art at the University of South Florida, he found himself drawn to the world of advertising in New York City.
- As a sales agent for editors, directors, and special effects artists, Dino honed his skills in a different capacity.
- However, he soon discovered the Art Students League of New York and began to study and grow as an artist under the guidance of renowned artists such as Nelson Shanks, Costa Vavagiakis, and Efraim Rubenstein.
Dino’s artistic journey spanned over two decades, and he eventually made the transition from advertising to becoming an almost full-time artist.
A Versatile Artist
Dino’s art encompasses a wide range of subjects, including commissioned portraits, landscapes, and recreations of famous paintings.
| Artistic mediums: | Oil paint and pencils |
| Subjects: | People, pets, landscapes, famous paintings, and more |
| Commissioned works: | Portraits of actors and musicians, landscapes of houses and businesses, and animal rescues |
Dino’s work can be found in collections around the world, adorning walls, restaurants, and various businesses.
A Philanthropic Side
Dino has used his art to help charitable organizations, donating his animal portraits and drawings to horse and other animal rescues.
“I create art that is slightly flawed like me,” Dino says about his unique approach to art-making. “My work is freehand, using 20 years of figure and portrait studies from the Art Students League to create one-of-a-kind pieces.”
Dino’s story is a testament to the power of taking risks and pursuing one’s passions.