It is the time of year when hearts and minds are preoccupied with festive traditions and last-minute shopping. The group show held last weekend at Harbour Gallery was like a refreshing pause in the hectic season . I was delighted to meet with people whose interest in art is genuine and never wanes no matter what the season. Some of them have purchased my work recently and others are waiting for a perfect "Adamo" for a special space. Speaking to collectors is at once an exciting and most humbling experience. Discussing art with them in a beautiful gallery complete with fantastic hors d'oeuvres, wines and elegant service is cause for celebration.
I am grateful to the Bryant family and the Harbour staff for the reverance they have for each piece of art and for the artists they treat as part of their family. No wonder the clientele holds the gallery in high regard.
Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season,

Pietro

This is for the clients who purchased the series:"Rossetto"(I-VII) (mixed media on canvas,2010)
The invitation to watch as she puts on her lipstick is dependent on her mood in this case identified by the colour in which she is veiled. It is interesting to see how blue can, in some cases appear to be more intimate, inviting , private-in a sense, warmer.

Am I having a good time? I'm truly loving it! Above, another in the series Natura Grande(40x72) and below, another in the purely abstract series Giardini Naxos (40x90 ). It is wonderful to be able to truly work from the heart-answering the call without hesitation. Today I'm in an abstract frame of mind-tomorrow I might want to get surreal. With freedom comes responsibility of a different kind. The tendency here is to nurture each piece with the intensity it deserves-no piece is to leave the studio before it is ready-how do you know it's ready? (the standard cliche is that a painting is never finished) O.K. , it's never finished so how do you know when enough is enough???

You just do.

The full title of the Giardini Naxos piece is: "Tre Cavalieri". Zoom in to get an idea of the layering, composition and texture. I was definitely in the "zone" for this one...no phones, no laptops, no t.v., no interruptions................................................................o.k. I took an espresso break..........................twice.....................no, maybe three times

Check with Brenda at Progressive Fine Art for availability and prices of both pieces(416 860 0983 line 3)

I have been painting landscapes since I can remember, but my main interest in painting them was creating a sense of depth, of timeless space. In such a landscape, one senses what I like to refer to as the "forever moment". When I get that moment, the piece is complete. Although the painting seemingly depicts rocks, trees, water and so on...it really is more about texture, form, contrast and above all-colour. A closer look reveals the true abstract nature of all painting-no matter how tight or loose. The piece above is from the Natura Grande series begun after the Lake Rosseau commission as a response to collectors who have wanted to see more "landscape" from me. I have been more than happy to oblige. The landscapes are inspired by the surrounding Ontario beauty-it's all around me, it's beautiful and it is to be celebrated!

More Natura Grande series pieces can be seen at Bright's Gallery in Collingwood, and Koyman Galleries in Ottawa, as well as Townesquare Gallery in Oakville. Please contact Michael Havers at Progressive Fine Art for more information.

I attended the Toronto International Art Fair last weekend at the Convention Centre. I've never missed a show-but this show was very different. It was packed on the Friday and Sunday when Erica and I were present. Although I was not represented in this particular show, it was truly the first time I felt a missed opportunity. Business was brisk! I am not only referring to red or blue dots, but also to dozens of wrapped pieces leaving the building. The majority of the works sold, Iwas told by one gallery owner, were abstracts. This goes against the popular notion that abstracts sell only in good times--or could it be, that it signals better times ahead? It seems that way.

I have found that in these times, clients who have been able to purchase art have purchased what they have always wanted to own-with abstract pieces still holding their own. We live in a time when it seems that all assumptions should be questioned. T.I.A.F. was a pleasant surprise in the midst of all the doom and gloom. It was good to witness people discussing art, enjoying the great variety in the show, and being happy just looking at art.

There is much to be grateful for during this season. When we are awakened from our slumber by one of those calls (he or she or I am fighting illness) we suddenly are centred once again. I am grateful that the call I received yesterday from a dear friend (a former student) was, as it turned out, of a positive nature given the circumstances. His art, and love of it, will help him through. A gifted student, a good teacher, a poet, a musician and a painter-a mentor to his own students-he'll be back at it again.

While he is "away" he'll be busy with his writing, music and painting-so his students will reap the benefits. He'll call me to ask my opinion on what he has done-so that I too, will humbly reap the benefits.

I'll share this quote :"I always tell them (students) that if you can get up in the morning without any assistance in going to the bathroom -there-you've won the lottery."

Life is a gift. No Complaints.

Ode To Rosseau

I was left to my own devices. What to do? An abstract? Hyper-realism? I needed to think of those people who would view this large 6'x9' canvas each day. I thought of the many ways I could express the feelings this family must have when they enjoy their cottage and its surroundings. They must climb the stairs to the upper level before they sleep at night. They must view the canvas as they ascend. The piece should inspire. It should soothe them. It should remind them of exactly where they are. And yet they should always know it is a painting, lovingly produced by a human hand.

So I did some soul-searching, some research and some exploration. I decided not to fight the feeling that overcame me when I visited Rosseau. I wanted to interpret what I felt and saw - I wanted to paint. I painted a piece inspired by the many waterfalls which can be found throughout the Muskokas with obvious reference to one on Lake Rosseau. I spent time in the McMichael, A.G.O and online researching the Group of Seven, Tom Thompson and other Canadian painters of the landscape-and then I painted my Ode to Rosseau.

Sometimes, the obvious answer is the only answer. I loved every second of this endeavour. I hope the guys who are going to hang the piece are just as enthusiastic. I will post photos of the piece on the wall in a future blog- with the family's permission of course.

A woman who purchased a piece in upstate New York sent images to me. She indicated that she might think more highly of her purchase if it was a genuine "Adamo". It definitely had the inscription ADAMO in it (it was gouged in, boldly within a circular raised area) but alas it turned out not to be mine. I experimented with signatures as a young artist as many of us have at one time or another but as I recall, the current "famous" Adamo signature came about after a major battle wtih an abstract canvas aptly titled: Pioggia (Rainfall). I was elated to have finally finished the stubborn piece. I felt a rush and signed it freely, quickly-without hesitation! The piece was worthy of such a signature! Beware of impostors! Check with me if you have doubts!
Actually, I look forward to contacts by my collectors. As for the Upstate N.Y. woman; don't let a signature prevent you from enjoying the piece that you lovingly purchased. There are many artists that paint under many names. If you enjoy the piece-well then it was worth the investment. As for Pioggia, it is owned by a Toronto-based architect who has, I'm told, enjoyed it for the last 20 years.

On Friday, September 3, I was in Detroit, Michigan. I was in the city on business, but I had been told by a client who resides in Windsor that the collection in Detroit was worth seeing. It was an easy 3 1/2 hour drive down the 401 early in the morning. The Detroit Art Institute opened its doors at the usual time of 10 a.m. There were no people in line, no crowds. What followed for me was a surreal experience. I had the museum to myself. The security people and volunteer guides were absolutely fantastic in their knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism. I for once, was the student. For four hours I looked, listened and learned. In one room, I was able to stand literally centimetres away from a middle-aged Rembrandt. The Picassos alone in another room could buy entire collections north of the border. The entire experience was tinged with melancholy. Some guides were old enough to remember their beloved Detroit in the glory days before recessions, before Bush, before cheap imports, before the fuel crisis, before the Ford Pinto. As I stood in front of the DIA's signature piece by Diego Rivera-a piece dedicated to the positive and negative effects of modern technology-the irony hit me. The piece was completed in the early 1930's. Tough times.
I wondered why it took me so long to finally visit. As a visual arts teacher in the 1980's and 90's I had organized dozens of field trips to European and North American cities. I never once pondered Detroit yet I knew of the collection-many of the works were featured in art history lessons. Ah yes, Detroit was known to be dangerous-you just stayed away. The truth is, on a windy, sunny Friday in September I felt absolutely safe and humbled in the knowledge that I missed an opportunity as a teacher. The DIA is a must see-all aspects of the space are truly remarkable. It is a sharp contrast to our new AGO as it celebrates its art deco and traditional architecture-it also is a safe, interesting day trip for students from the G.T.A.

Great day! Perfect weather today in T.O. The kind of weather that makes even chores like lawn maintenance bearable. I had the pleasure this week of meeting with a rep from Progressive who picked up several of the Emozioni series canvases. The series is proving to be popular. I'll include some more images in this blog. For more info call 416-860-0983. Sizes range from 36x48 to 48x72. Custom orders can be filled by contacting Michael or Brenda at Envers Chapin Gallery at 416-860-0983 line 6.
A thought: abstract art is neither modern nor avante-garde today. Some people still have a problem with it, as some people still have a problem with nudes. Abstract painting is now a tradition-every bit as recognizable as nineteenth century neoclassical painting or early twentieth century impressionism. Is this why, then, I have seen my work in the company of the finest Baroque antiques as well as in minimal spaces with Bauhaus furnishings? In the twenty-first century, it seems that the art is definitley about the art.....

Yesterday was a picture-perfect day for a golf tournament in Hockley Valley, Ontario. I was invited to participate in the 75th annual Father and Three Sons event held this year at Hockley Valley Resort. The golf, food, scenery and weather conspired to make the day most memorable. It was the theme of the tournament and the meaning behind it that proved most inspirational. There were generations of families whose involvement in the tourney went back the full 75 years (sons, fathers, grandfathers...great grandfathers). For some, this tournament means literally, the only occasion in which brothers and fathers can "hook up" during the year as families are spread throughout the globe. I was invited by my uncle, Mario Adamo (my father's youngest brother) . I golfed with three people I had never met before. The course provided the usual challenge, duffs, lost balls, laughs. Most of the day's conversation revolved around family-how many kids? names? how long has your family been part of this?
Although I remember him every single day, I somehow felt that I had spent the day with my father Ilio Adamo who passed on January 17,2007.

I was very impressed by the quality of the Pop Art exhibit at the National Gallery in Ottawa. The full title is: POP Life: Art in a Material World. The show is organized by Tate Modern,London in association with our National Gallery. It runs until Sept. 19.
The show is thorough, entertaining, provocative-exactly as pop art should be. Warhol, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Murakami, Haring, Sarah Lucas, Cattelan, Kippenberger-all the biggies are represented in an extraordinary show which leaves one with the tune I'm turning Japanese in one's head for the duration of the day. Not to mention the many risque images which accompany the music. The Pop Artists made it o.k. to make money from art-they embraced the notion of tangible assets as art-good art=good commerce=good art. COMMERCIAL is no longer a dirty word in the world of fine art. It has always seemed false when I've heard proclaimed artists say that "they paint or create for themselves". Nonsense. The minute one makes any mark on any surface-it is like a primal scream-can anybody see this? Is anyone there? It is communication. It is a desire for an exchange. It is, in a sense, commerce.

In Ottawa, visit Koyman Galleries in St. Laurent if you are interested in seeing some of my recent work.
P.S. We spent the weekend there and capped it off by attending the Michael Buble concert at Scotiabank Place-now that was a terrific show ( c'mon now, we can't be on the job 24/7! )

The two pieces above were painted to adorn the Mercedes-Benz Dealership in Maple, Ontario. A grand opening was held there in 2007 in which I was asked to participate by having an exhibition of work to help celebrate. The evening was grand with all the showroom decked out in black and silver. The band was terrific and the food and drink first rate. I have been receiving calls regarding the show and auto-related pieces ever since! (NEW GULLWING,above VINTAGE GULLWING,below)

This piece was sold in 1980 at the Richview Public Library show in Etobicoke-my very first show. I was teaching at Father Serra School at the time. At the request of many of the parents, I held a show of 20 pieces. The show sold out. I kept on teaching for 18 years before taking the leap of faith in 1998. Needless to say, the work has evolved, and has fortunately augmented in value-but there's something about some of the early work........I want to thank the people who supported me and continue to follow my career today....Grazie!

This piece alludes to tensions between the eagle and the bear(Breznev) and the not so subtle road to Armageddon....

it was 1980. I was in my 20's. Surrealism was the coolest way to impress your friends and to let loose of some of the angst of youth.

The Port Carling show I have been told was and is, apparently a success. I was not able to attend because of family circumstances which thankfully turned out to be nothing serious. I want to thank the staff at Muskoka Emporium and Deborah Usher (Arabella Magazine) for representing my work at the show which was well-attended. There is much interest in the Wild Horses series apparently.

A note to Mrs. Copeland: Thank-you for contacting Progressive Fine Art to have the piece purchased by your parents appraised. Although the piece is 30 years old, it nonetheless is a hit with the Progressive staff. One staffer asked me if I was painting "in diapers" (I wish)-I said I was finger-painting as long as I can remember. Come to think of it, I'm pretty well still doing what I started back in Miss Gillie's kindergarten at Essex Street Public School in 1960-only with better paint!

It was a bright, beautiful summer's day yesterday in Port Carling, Ontario. I was able to deliver the pieces for the upcoming show. The space (2nd floor, N.Y. loft-like) was being prepared. It really has great character and should prove popular for future events. The view of the lake is truly inspiring. It's Muskoka through and through-a great setting for art that inspires. The works will be basking in natural light through the large windows and due to the high ceilings. The handling of the work was as good as the finest galleries (Arabella's behind it, so no surprise there) and the friendly nature of the staff made the long drive worth it. Judging by the sense of excitement, it should prove to be quite a show.
Before we headed back to T.O., Erica and I had a chance to ease back on Muskoka chairs by the water to catch some rays and have a mojito or two. Ahhhh-Muskoki-o.k.
-Pietro

In the series "Emozioni'', I am concerned with colour and texture lending free forms a hand in conveying emotions. The effect of juxtaposition of design elements to one another is paramount in achieving the desired suggested feelings. In this series, the links to Quartieri are obvious. The invasive elements of splashed and spattered paints serve to heighten the drama. As always, they are direct records of the artist's actions-they illuminate the fact that the piece is produced by a person at a certain moment in time-never again to be revisited.

I am thrilled at the response to these pieces, although I personally began to explore this form of "pure" abstraction in the 1980's. Some notable pieces can be found in the collection of Mr. R.Ferri, of Maranello Motors (Ferrari, B.M.W.) Toronto, Magnotta Winery(labels), and Baldessarra Associates, Architects. The recent work can be found at Progressive Fine Art, Toronto. They will be happy to accomodate any requests. Contact Mr. M. Havers at 9058600983, ext.1.

I have been invited to participate in the opening of a new gallery in Port Carling, Ontario. The Midsummer Afternoon Event as it is known will take place on Saturday July 31,2010 from 2pm to 5pm at 99 Maple Street, at the locks, second floor, Port Carling Ontario. The show is a combined effort between Arabella magazine and Muskoka Classics Cottage Emporium. A number of pieces will be included, and I, along with many other artists will be in attendance. Come for the scenery, the art, the Muskoka cocktails and more......hope to see you there!

The current issue of Arabella magazine is in bookstores and on newstands now. It contains an article written about my work by my daughter, Iliana. It is filled with insight from a family member's point of view as to what it's like living with an artist. The truth is sometimes hard to handle especially when it comes from a son or daughter. I must admit, she has me pegged. It is, nonetheless, interesting reading. Check out the magazine the next time you visit Chapters, Indigo or Barnes & Noble in the U.S.
Check out the new website at www.artistpietroadamo.com. (google) Please let me know what you think!
Dear caller from Georgetown: Yes, there is a possibility of a limited edition enhanced giclee of Rossetto. I'll let you know in a week. The edition will be very small, but of the highest quality.The first artist's proof will go to a Montreal client as requested.

So Gli Azzurri are homebound. It is not as if this team had the ingredients to go a long way(or did it? Judging by the last half-hour you are never sure when facing Italia). It is still an interesting world cup. I'm certain we'll see a refreshed, new team for Euro 2012 under a new manager. In the meantime let the rest of the world rejoice as it breathes a collective sigh of relief-for the time being. So party on, Azzurri fans!

As I received the award last evening I could not help but think of the fact that I've called Vaughan home for over 30 years. I live here because I want to be here. Upon reflection, much of my work has been inspired by the local environment (rural and urban) and the proximity to the McMichael. I can't count the number of times I walked the grounds.
The R.A.V.E. awards (Recognizing Arts Vaughan Excellence). I am humbled to be included among such dedicated individuals.

It is great to see Emozioni Series on the Artworks Gallery (Vancouver) website. Thanks to my B.C. friends at Artworks for featuring Adamo this month. I participated in a wonderful show there in September of 2007. The show was fantastic and the atmosphere electric. My work can be found in galleries in Nanaimo, Whiterock and Vancouver. On a more urgent note--I still recall some of the most potent and aromatic espresso I've ever had outside of Rome- on Commercial drive. To my amici Vancouveriani I send a heartfelt "Forza Italia!!!!!!!!!!"

A solo show has been planned for APRIL,2011 at the RICHMOND HILL CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS...I'll be showing 25 new pieces. It is a remarkable space. Looking forward to it!
Many thanks to those members of the town of Vaughn who voted. I am honoured to be this year's recipient for the RAVE award for Visual Arts which will be presented on JUNE 24 at Vaughan Theatre........

I am currently involved in a special commission for a family member who has realised a dream home on Lake Rosseau. Designed and built by himself-truly a work of art for his family-a labour of love. I've experienced it in winter and spring-I may need to get there once in the autumn but the atrium piece (6'x9') is brewing in my mind.......the heavy duty canvas has been ordered- no deadlines- how cool is that?

Just a response to a caller regarding the piece posted yesterday. It is part of the series entitled:
''Emozioni'', available through Progressive Fine Art, Toronto. It is concerned with visual depth
through the use of colour in varying intensity, and composition using random elements. I am glad it speaks to you. Mixed media on canvas(40x60).

WELCOME!!!

This blog is a response to all the calls, e-mails and constant questions about my art. O.K., so I recently turned 55 (May 10) and that might have something to do with my finally understanding that after more than thirty years of painting I owe everybody an explanation for why I've had so much fun!

I cannot apologize, so it is with gratitude that I write this. I am grateful for the many people who continue to follow my career and collect my work. I am grateful for all of the reps, gallery owners, designers who represent and recommend my work. I am grateful for those who have been my mentors. I am especially grateful for my family-truly the centre of my existence and my inspiration.

So the serious stuff is out of the way. I am ready to answer any questions regarding my pieces. I will endeavour to update this blog wth updates regarding upcoming shows, new pieces, charity events and so on...

I will leave you with this thought: A friend of mine who now resides in Capetown once told me that she thought I was a successful artist because of the very fact that I did not take it too seriously..this was infact a key element in keeping the work fresh. I have always held this statement in high regard. My hope is that those of you who own an Adamo will witness the effort made not to lose the moment. With such intense concentration can it possibly be fun?

The answer is yes my friends. Serious fun. We shall call it Adamoismo!