Fred Calleri

Fred Calleri's works take you to another time and place. His figures are full of character and the background gives you insight to just exactly where his characters came from.

"I like to explore the figure and representational painting in general. By adding a slight distortion I am free to let the image create itself, using each piece as a lesson that is used in the next piece.

What is now starting to evolve is a smoother blending of the representational with the quirky distortion, as well as an effort to create a deeper narrative with the work.
The historical or “period” nature of the work lends itself to a style (and a palette) that I enjoy and reaches back to a seemingly simpler time. This theme inspires me creatively. I use it as an opportunity, trying to incorporate the style into each challenge I confront.

As one looks at my work, it is easy to see that the subject matter of each piece can vary. ( sometimes drastically). The things a person can find themselves doing in life also varies and I enjoy the challenge of injecting my figures into this world.
My influences are from a wide variety of genres, from The Masters to the great Illustrators and many Artists alive today. They remind me constantly that the journey never ends and there is great knowledge to be gained.
I work in a studio attached to my home in Santa Barbara. Using vintage reference photos, live models, and imagination, the work is then created on Masonite Panel or Canvas. When using black and white references, much of the color is created from imagination."

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