"The Band" Painting

Anthony Peter Mazzone was born January 2, 1945 in the small town of Gioiosa Jonica di Reggio Calabria, Italy. In 1954 his family immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto.

As a young man I was interested in art but never had the opportunity to attend and enjoy an art class. I was inspired by the great masters such as Caravaggio, Rubens and Botticelli. Being self taught I went through the agonizing process of trial and error. I was also told by accomplished artists not to take lessons as it would create a confused state of mind.

My experiments in painting started with still life and landscapes, which in later years allowed me to be able to paint and copy the great masters. Since then I developed techniques which allowed me to have my own different form of style and media.

I enjoy working on several pieces at a time. I compare colours and experiment in developing new creative ideas. The sense of movement and drama with cool and warm colours creates the illusion of a multi dimensional surface. It's an inspiration in exploring form and colour.

I studied music as a teenager, still play my keyboard every day and that seems to recharge a sense of creative energy. Colours are also my keyboard as they emphasize movement and rhythm in shape and space. My goal is to create a visual sensation and a pleasing image.

There are moments depending on the music that I am listening to that triggers a spiritual calm of tranquility and contrasting abruptness which reflects on my shapes, form composition and colour mix. I invariably find that my most successful work is done in the least amount of time when I can express my soul and inner self on canvas while the emotions are at their highest.