Creating a commissioned work of art is very familiar to American Artist, John Varriano. As an artist possessing both a broad scope and exceptional artistic prowess Varriano has been commissioned to create many mid and large scale compositions for private individuals, interior designers, corporations, and non-profits.
Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at one of these commissions created for a distinguished and beautiful looking family. Aptly titled, “The Cappuccino Family,” the painting stands impressively at 6 feet high by 7 feet wide. The intricate details of the piece, as well as the composition, color balance, and fine figurative expression leaves one in awe.
Varriano applied his brilliant talent and formidable skill to create this Academic painting which bears his uniquely distinctive style. Based on how well Varriano has captured the distinct personality of each family member it is clear that when he undertakes a portrait, the artist makes a point of knowing each individual as well as possible. It is evident that Varriano finds the psychology of the person being portrayed extremely important. For him, what distinguish great figurative art are not appearances but the artist’s ability to capture and communicate the essence of his subjects. Clearly Varriano is correct in his valuation of knowing his subjects because the results he achieves are truly remarkable.
Before embarking on developing the composition Varriano spent time interviewing each family member to better understand each of them and their interests. From the outset, the artist’s goad was to reflect each individual’s personality. The husband and wife located at the center of the composition, being accomplished surgeons, are respected and affluent remembers of their community and profession. Varriano captured their reserved self-confident and family pride which is admirably portrayed.
The tall young man at the right of the composition was at the time involved in the study of law. Being polite by nature, he was posed to reflect his stateliness and calm demeanor. Varriano gave him a copy of The United States Constitution to hold to subtly communicate to the viewer this young man’s fascination with law.
The young lady next to him revealed no particular aspiration that she chose to disclose, but admitted to a basic interest in business and finance. Her manner was polite and reserved, yet the artist sensed a strong personality and determination with her. The red dress she chose to wear was ideal and Varriano waited for her to fall into a natural pose that best reflected her persona.
The young man next to his parents, toward the center of the composition, was studying film directing and knew about acting and theatre. Like his sister in the red dress, he had a strong yet reserved personality. An intelligent person yet one hesitant to reveal what he knows, the artist chose to have him hold a theatrical mask which served as a connection between the young man and the theatre.
The brother with his elbow on the piano and his seated sister were ballet dancers. Varriano subtlety reflects this in a clever yet beautiful way. Hanging behind the young man is a painting by the famous French painter Edgar Degas, who specialized in ballet paintings and pastels. Between them, on the piano is a sculpture of a ballerina, also by Degas. Below the chair of the young sister, Varriano placed a pair of ballet slippers.
The seated young man while holding a book stares off in contemplation. He was at the time studying philosophy and literature. His body posture wonderfully suggests his gentle nature.
The family dog is a big fellow who although connected with each family member, bears a special kinship with the young lady in red. He contentedly looks off to the right as we admire his strong physique and placid profile.
Each figure bears an uncanny likeness to the person being depicted, and the artist exceeds our expectations in capturing their respective personalities and interest. Beyond that, we can witness Varriano’s uncanny ability to reveal the psychology of each individual.
The room is admirably painted with a very satisfying depiction of perspectival space. It is flooded by natural light that penetrates the space from the outside, through large arched doors and windows. The large oak table and piano, as well as the exotic musical instruments, are finely rendered. Perhaps the most stunning feature of the room furnishings is the large, complex, and richly designed Persian carpet.
This painting, with rich, beautiful colors, impeccable composition, wonderfully rendered figures and a space so convincing that we feel we are there, is a masterpiece to be admired for ages.
To experience more the artist’s exceptional works visit www.JohnVarriano-FigurativePaintings.com
