VL VL . artspan December 2013 Volume 2 No. 12
VISUAL LANGUAGE contemporary fine art
Robert Fiacco
VL Robert D Fiacco
Robert D Fiaco
http://robertfiacco.com/
Blood Money 24 x 30 Oil on Canvas
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Robert D Fiacco
When did you realize you loved art and wanted to be an artist? When I was about 11 years old my father started a small business that involved selling reproductions of famous paintings; we had dozens of these paintings hanging all over the place. I absolutely loved these paintings and would spend hours copying them; I have been painting ever since. Who has been your mentor, or greatest influence to date? I don’t recall having a mentor per se; I have had outstanding teachers early on but never a consistent mentor. Winslow Homer has been a huge influence. I am especially impressed that he was able to transition from illustration to fine art. Who is another living artist you admire and why? Jasper Johns; his paintings are so unique and intellectually challenging. What is your favorite surface to create work on or to work with? Describe it if you make it yourself. I love texture in painting; I primarily work with canvas that is sized with heavy amounts gesso. What are your favorite materials to use? I primarily use oil paint and Liquin Impasto and Olepasto mediums. I am starting to explore encaustic. Do you have a favorite color palette? I prefer a cooler palette but I really don’t limit myself. How often do you work on your artwork? How many hours a week? I only average about 5-15 hours a week. What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for? Honesty and creativity in my artwork. There are many culprits that can crush creativity, such as distractions, self-doubt and fear of failure. What tends to stand in the way of your creativity? Often financial concerns get in the way. For example, I often take commissions, which are not very creative endeavors since the customer is usually very specific in what they want hence there isn’t much latitude for creativity. How do you overcome these obstacles? I try to be as frugal as possible and maximize my exposure through juried shows/art fairs. I have been successful in selling some of my artwork, including giclee reproductions without relying too much on commissions.
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Oriskany Rendezvous Oil on Canvas
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Robert D Fiacco
Close Air Support
Return to Happy Valley
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Cleared for Overhead
What are your inspirations for your work? I love narratives or stories of amazing feats. I prefer to illustrate dramatic events that occurred. I will research the specific event, learning the life stories of the people involved, and the exact details of the event. When you fully understand the people and the event; it is quite inspiring to paint it. What is your favorite way to get your creative juices flowing? I have two loud kids; sometimes, just having it quiet is enough. Which work of yours is your favorite? Oriskany Rendezvous is my favorite. I feel that the painting is dramatic and conveys a sense of foreboding associated with war.
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Robert D Fiacco
Robert in his studio.
Downing of Flogger
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Hellcat Formation
B-24D Pelosti Raid
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Robert D Fiacco
Sea Hawk
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artspan Getting to know you Q&A What is your favorite color in your closet? Light blue. What book are you reading this week? “Art and Perception”. Do you have a favorite television show? Not really; however, I often watch English or Spanish league soccer games. What is your favorite food? Italian. What color sheets are on your bed right now? Tan. What are you most proud of in your life? Taking care of my family. Who would you love to interview? Larry Gagosian. Do you have a passion or hobby other than painting? What is it? Soccer. Who would you love to paint? Nicole Kidman. If you were an animal what would you be and why? A golden eagle; being able to fly… can’t imagine anything better than this. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take three things, what would they be? A book, sketchbook, & my guitar. Share something with us that few people know about you. I believe in ghosts. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Spain.
Orion Tracking Kilo
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