Anthony Alonzo's recently closed solo exhibit "Splendor of Colors" at Addison Center for the Arts Gallery, showcased U.S presidents, nature, and downtown Chicago scenes in his distinctive style using acrylics.
Here's what he says about his technique: "I like to use a lot of color -- it brings power into the portraits -- a mix of impressionistic and contemporary," he says. "I've been very much influenced by the work of Leroy Neiman. It's a nice challenge to do portraits and I love the beauty of nature."
He adds that he likes the look of cross-hatching because less painters use it, and he finds it a distinctive touch to his work among other paint-handling tricks he's developed to give his medium a more transparent quality.
"I want the finished look to explode off the canvas -- to really pop," he explains.
Anthony has been a professional artist for many years with a talent that was obviously evident starting at age 5. His mom instantly identified him as an artist when he didn't even know the meaning of that word.
Later, he pursued an art education and obtained a degree in illustration and graphic arts from The American Academy of Art. Anthony, an award-winning artist, credits The American Academy of Art for having the most significant impact on the development of his unique artistic style. Quality design, originality, luminosity, and intensity of color are the hallmarks he strives to attain.
His recently closed show featured a mix of subjects where his nature display represented freedom and beauty was juxtaposed against his presidential portraits depicting the seriousness and stressfulness of politics.
"I challenge myself to grow and continually develop my skills," Anthony says. "I'm always pushing, the work is always changing, as I develop new techniques and subject matters. I like what's going on in the world and continually seek interesting subjects to capture."
His advice to artists: Find other people out there who can help you with the things you can't do -- such as building your website or offering exhibit opportunities -- remember you can't do it all. It's a challenge to get your work out there so don't rush or take shortcuts. Do your homework with thumbnails and always do your best -- keep polishing your skills. Little by little, every day you work on your work, you'll soon have a lot of inventory before you know it. Do good quality work and the quantity will follow.
Learn more here: (20+) Anthony Alonzo, artist - Search Results | Facebook
