Born
but not lost in Yonkers N. Y., my childhood was greatly influenced by color
form and design with my participation in the family floral business.
I truly enjoyed "ART" more then any other subject in
school, so much so that I won a scholarship to Pratt Institute in New York. I was unable to attend due to the death of my
mother and father that left the need for me
to run the family business.
I continued to paint and draw throughout my adult
working life reading as many books as I could to better hone my skills in
many mediums, charcoal, pastels, watercolors, colored pencil, acrylic, and
oils.
I retired to Prescott, AZ in 2002 and began painting in
earnest going back to a love I had since grade school.
I am truly enjoying painting in my retirement as I now
have a large naturally lit studio, and I continue to enjoy the learning
experience at Yavapai College as well as the Mountain Artists Guild and
Arizona Western Artists Association.
I'm also extremely fortunate in being inspired by
several local professional artists. Their friendships have helped me
in innumerable ways, not only with critiques, but also by providing insight
and suggestions on techniques and materials that are priceless.
I have little intention in becoming a niche artist,
cranking out one style or medium. I achieve a greater joy from different
mediums, and style as well as diverse paint applications. I also find great
diversity in landscapes, as there is no greater model then nature with ever
changing moods, light, and subject matters.
Thomas Restfio