Joseph Iantorno

Joseph Iantorno is a bright young artist living in Anaheim, California. Originally pursuing a career in music with painting as a hobby, he soon found his artistic ability with paint exceeded his musical talents. For the past five years he has studied under the renowned artist David A. Leffel. He exhibited in the 2008 Oil Painters of America National Show and has been awarded First Prize and Honorable Mention in The Anaheim Art Show and his work hung in the Newport Beach City Hall.

Influenced by such artists as Rembrandt, Hovsep Pushman, Gordon Brown and Photographer George Hurrell, Joseph prefers to paint in the style of "Chiaroscuro" which literally translates into: "Light and Shadow". It was the style preferred by Rembrandt and the style he is known for. In the proper light, the subject seems to separate itself from the canvas and stand out in front of the darker background colors.

Joseph is inspired by the mood captured by Baroque painters. This and his preferred style of painting lead perfectly to his favorite subjects: portrait and still life. True to the Chiaroscuro style, his subjects seem to live within their world of canvas and oil. In his own words, "Art should move you. It should enhance your life. A work of art is a unique and beautiful creation that MUST be done with love. I seek to fill my work with emotion, mood and compassion..."

Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Chapman University (Orange, California), Joseph set out across the country attending workshops to help him refine his trade. His philosophy toward life can be summed up in his oft used scriptural references; "…that God has given us richly all things to enjoy" (1Tim 6:17) and …. "at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore" (Ps 16:11). Accordingly, he tries to spend each day enjoying God’s creations and using the talents he was given to capture them in oils.

Joseph is a member of The International Realism Guild, The Portrait Society and an Associate Member of The Oil Painters of America(OPA).

 McBride Gallery is pleased to represent this talented young American painter.