Aldo Luongo. You have probably seen his work and not realized it. This accomplished artist was commissioned to do the artwork for the Olympics three times. The White House requested him twice to paint eggs for the Easter Egg hunt, which now reside in the Smithsonian.
I was introduced to Luongo by my friend Amy Nelder at Chloe Gallery. We were learning about Carrie Graber, and Luongo is an interesting part of her story (more on Carrie Graber next week!).
What does he paint? A few of my favorite things. A charming older man who loves life called "The Hawk." Ballerinas, tango dancers, beach scenes, lovers, women who just rolled out of bed with the messy effortless look we all try to emulate.
Luongo grew up in Buenos Aires of Italian heritage with two passions: art and soccer. He actually played soccer professionally in New York until an injury halted his athletic career. Sad for him, but glad for us because this is when he jumped into the art world with both feet. He started off in the 70's with black and white drawings, and then transitioned into paintings.
Luongo's impressionistic style is both fluid and intense, often referred to as "Romance on Canvas."
The most enduring single image in the paintings of Aldo Luongo is that of "The Hawk." The Hawk is a character who has evolved throughout Luongo's career, and is his single most meaningful symbol. Originally, The Hawk was an homage to Luango's father, who passed away in the early 70's. Luango realized that his father was the ideal man: someone who appealed to both men and women, and offered charm, charisma, and grace. Although The Hawk doesn't match Luongo's father's physical description, he is meant to embody his spirit. You'll notice a twinkle in his eye while he lives life to the fullest. Luongo comments that he wants to be like The Hawk in his twilight years. Don't you want to be friends with The Hawk?
the hawk:
sexy women:
beach scenes:
olympics & sports:
lovers:
dancers:
mother & child:
Where can you see his work in person? The following galleries:
Lahaina Galleries (Hawaii & California)
Off The Wall Gallery (Houston, TX)
Shaffer Gallery (Portland, OR)
Chloe Fine Arts (San Francisco, CA)
Plaza Galleries (Whistler, Canada)
Ocean Galleries (New Jersey)
Kaleidoscope Gallery (Mission Viejo, CA)
Artists (Los Olivos, CA)
Abra Gallery (Westlake Village, CA)
M & H Gallery (Warminster, PA)
Kavanaugh Gallery (West Des Moines, Iowa)
Studio 7 Fine Arts (Pleasanton, CA)
Kingswood Fine Art (New Jersey)
