The pieces above were commissioned in autumn, 2011 for hanging prior to a family Christmas dinner. The timing was perfect. I had been going full tilt and needed a rest. For me, that means concentrating on one piece at a time. Ten days is a long time, and one month seems endless. I met the clients at their home and we had so much in common, we had dinner with them prior to presenting the pieces. It was a fabulous experience in that I was able to translate the warmth of their personalities and their home into the work. Very often, we concern ourselves with the nature of the space in which a canvas is to be placed. We take into consideration dimensions, proportions, and colour, light and so on. I prefer to know who lives there. What they are like. What moves them.

It facilitates the painting of a piece with purpose when you know the true nature of the client. After all, the pieces should become heirlooms. They should resonate and ignite conversations and add to the overall experience of life.

So we have new friends. I like to think the commission was the second most important element of this experience.
The dimensions of the two pieces above are 40x72(Emozioni Series) and 60x36 (Giardini Naxos Series) .

To all who read this: have a wonderful 2012 full of good health, happiness and prosperity! May this year bring many new and lasting friendships-the true riches in life!

Canto for Caritas

Tomorrow evening some brand new pieces will be offered at the Canto for Caritas charity evening of music and art (Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts,6 p.m. to 9:30p.m.). I have donated apiece for silent auction (Linea Verde) and % of all sales will benefit Caritas. The charity has been an important part of the community in its effort to help rehabilitate individuals and prepare them to re-enter society as whole persons ready to contribute after struggles with addiction. The mentors and helpers are silent heroes who work tirelessly. I look forward to a great evening of entertainment for a great cause.

Contrasts

What an unusual and interesting weekend! We were in Prince Edward County on Saturday at Huff Estates and more specifically, Oeno Gallery. In contrast, we lined up to meet Robert Bateman on Sunday afternoon in Newmarket. I say contrast because the galleries themselves are at opposite ends of the spectrum in the world of art and one would expect the Newmarket gallery in the country whereas Oenoo is the most unexpected type of gallery in the country. The architecture is urban and modern and the atmosphere uplifting and sophisticated, not what one usually finds in rural Ontario. It is worth the trip for many reasons-with the art at the top of the list. The gallery itself is not confined to the interior space which is perfect for viewing the collection due to an abundance of natural light. The outdoor sculpture garden is captivating at this time of year and I imagine it must be stunning when in full bloom. You need at least an hour to see the sculpture collection alone. So let's see-good art, good wine, beautiful countryside--I'm in! http://www.oenogallery.com/

Why did I want to meet Robert Bateman? Because he's a champion of the environment? Because he's a wildlife artist? Because his prints can be found everywhere in Canada? NO.

Because I admire Robert Bateman as a minimal abstract painter. That's right-a b s t r a c t. Say it slowly--aaabbbssstttrrraaacccttt! His exploration of the "dark" side of painting is, in my opinion, why many of his "wildlife" pieces are not just depictions or illustrations-but haunting images which have seeped into the collective visual conciousness of a nation. Like the late Ken Danby's At The Crease- love it or hate it---you know it. You can't deny the Bateman touch and as an artist, this is the true accomplishment. The signature style. And that, in reality, has nothing to do with wildlife and nature and everything to do with the man as a living Canadian Icon. If you are one of the fortunate few to actually have an early Bateman original abstract painting (his mother even hated) I salute you.

He and I chatted briefly and we posed for pictures with collectors. How cool.

Classical, baroque, rock, jazz- it's all good! P.S. The large abstract above is titled: "Urbanissimo" and is finished in resin on a birch ply base. It is a rather large set of three panels each of which is 96 inches in width. For more information, please contact me at pietroadamo@rogers.com.

The piece above is a 40x40 resin on wood composition. The high energy and intense colour are elements that are amplified by the depth created through the resin finish. Why Futura? In this case, it just came to me as an appropriate title. Maybe it points to the future direction of the series-who knows? The beauty in what I do is in the freedom. For this, I am truly grateful. I am particularily grateful for the hard-working reps and gallery owners who stand by my work throughout the world. Thanks, grazie, merci !
Please check out this season's Arabella magazine for inspirational reading and pics of fine Canadian Art and Architecture.

To all GTA art lovers: There's an exciting new gallery in KING: THE ORCHARD GALLERY.
The opening will take place on Thursday, October 6 from 7-9 pm. The address is 2700 16th sideroad, King City Ontario. Director Paul Harding has assembled an all-star cast of exciting Canadian Artists from emerging to seasoned veterans. The gallery itself is located in the famous King Apple Orchard familiar to many a parent who has gone 'pickin' with their children in the beautiful Southern Ontario Autumn. On an evening this autumn, do join us for something that matters more than stale elections: celebrate the beautiful side of life by attending the opening and enjoying a quality evening in a wonderful setting. The quaint gallery is exquisite and should prove to be a destination location for excellence in Canadian Art: Here's the early list: Nancy Jones, Helen Lucas, Tom Miller, MJ Hobbs, Ernestine Tahedl and yes, yours truly, Pietro Adamo. To mark the occasion, an auction will take place of a rare David Suzuki "Gyo Taku" print. Proceeds benefitting the David Suzuki foundation. So you see, we'll be in good company. Those of you who have followed my career know that I only do solo shows so you know that it has to be special for me to participate in this group show opening. When a director considers your work worthy of showing with the likes of Helen Lucas ( my prof, mentor, friend) you humbly accept. I am excited about this gallery and I hope to meet as many of you as possible Thursday evening. So vote early and then "forgetaboutit". Join us for a cool evening in the country! Call Paul Harding at 416-518-0754 or 905-833-2660 for details.

Alden Commission: 50 year Celebration

It's not often that you get to celebrate 50 years of anything in this life, so when you are given the chance to help celebrate, you should give all you've got. That's the approach I took when I was called to help commemorate the 50th anniversary of a special construction company based in Chicago. The company is special because of the people in it, reflecting the values of the founding family-the family of Mr. Floyd Schlossberg. In researching the project, I learned of a company whose employees were eager to participate in the celebration not because of obligation but because of their sincere commitment to the man and his family. Perhaps it is a result of the fact that the principal business of the company revolves around helping people (care centres and rehabilitation, retirement facilities). More likely though, it is due to the contageion I will call "Floyditis". You get wrapped up in a positively-charged atmosphere of co-operation and collaberation all in the name of getting it right. You can't wait for the next conference call to "show and tell" your efforts-and you react with schoolboy-like enthusiasm when the president tells you that you have his blessing and the commitee's approval. All this could have passed and the piece could have arrived there and that would have been fine. But "Floyiditis" demands a clearer picture, an act of sincerity to seal the deal.

Before I had a chance to blink, I was in Chicago presenting the piece to the man pictured above. I'm part of the Alden family. It's a family of very creative people who know good design and who love art. I am humbled to have been chosen. I cannot list the members but they know how grateful I am for their generosity and kindness. From my family to theirs: "Amici sempre, e grazie mille!"

The piece above is Daimler & Benz : Passion and History. It has been created to commemorate the debut of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Coupe, happening this month at Mercedes-Benz Maple. The original will be shown on the eve of the debut which is Thursday, September 22, 2011. A limited edition enhanced giclee will be available. The piece will be enhanced, signed and numbered. It will measure 30"x40" on a 1 1/2" quality canvas stretcher and come with a signed certificate of authenticity. The price is $350 +hst. Please contact me for further details.

The piece captures the pioneer spirit of the original founders and highlights the predecessors to current vehicles with the new coupe taking the left side in cooler, modern tones. The history side, on the right is draped in nostalgic sepia.

I have to say that many interesting commissions and placements have come to me through the Art Gallery of Hamilton over the years. The piece above ( Amantea) is part of the collection at the Ministry of Natural Resources Metallurgical Labs. The building is fascinating both in the research that takes place there and also in its architecture. The "green" aspect of the building was explained to us by our gracious guide who also happened to be an artist and designer herself.

We (my son and I) were given the chance to tour the labs and see where Amantea rests-in an appropriately minimalist space with an abundance of natural light. It sits comfortably on a concrete wall in an exquisite boardroom. I understand the choice of Amantea (inspired by the geography of the town in Calabria) The earth tones with outcroppings of anthracite and micaceous iron oxide are a natural fit considering the function of the space and the visual inspiration provided by the art. The splash of violet seems to lift the entire feeling of the space. Yes, it is an Adamo, but the designers got it right as my son pointed out to me. As we were in the vicinity of McMaster, we treated ourselves to legendary Whitney fish and chips. Ahh.... it's not without some perks as it was bright and sunny and we ate on the mountain.

Mostra

I was asked to produce a piece to accompany an existing paper purchased some years ago by a couple from Ancaster, Ontario. In the composition above, a clock tower and exposed timepiece are intersected by a Ferris wheel (from the Pier in Chicago). The banister in the centre

is from the Art Gallery of Vancouver and it connects to an iron bridge. The clearly visible words (citta and mostra) refer to an art show taking place in a city in Italy. The suggestive imagery conjures up links between the past and present, and in this busy life, is there time left to take in a "mostra"(art show) or is it a continuous mostra?

I am truly honoured to be doing what I am doing, and when the work is greeted with anticipation, it is a humbling experience. I trust the owners of this piece will continue to see new things in it and will enjoy it as part of their collection.

...and so I sifted through my sketches and photos of recent travel memories..."Costa del Sol, above is a 46x48 resin on acrylic on wood panel...available at Gallery 133...............................

Some of you may remember or you possibly may own other notable pieces inspired by my "Spanish sojourns"....Cordoba...Sevilla...Toledo........(the most famous of these went on to become a blockbuster textured print at a worldwide furnishings store using the signature of "Patrizio"(my Confirmation name) over 6 years ago...it is still being printed and sold today...look for it the next time you shop for "Scandinavian bookshelves". It is called Cordoba.

Taking time to stop and view the countryside on an unusually hot summer's day in Southern Ontario, I record the emotions of the moment in the piece above. The vastness of the farmland, the pale blue skies, the parched wooden fence, the abandoned barn, the stillness-all conspire to give a palpable sense of infinite time and space. Caledon is a 48x60 mixed media painting on canvas. Have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Here is a brief interview recorded on the evening of the show at the Richmond Hill Performing Arts Centre, earlier this year. Once again, many thanks to those of you who attended, and especially those of you who came from out of province and from the U.S. The inquiries regarding the work shown in Richmond Hill keep coming, and I keep hearing about how wonderful an evening it was. To collectors in Mississauga, I am pleased to announce that some of my newest work can be seen at Crescent Hill Gallery. Other galleries in the area carrying my work are Harbour in Clarkson and Towne Square in Oakville. In Toronto, Gallery 133 and Frame of Mind.
Enjoy the video!










http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=237&rid=17&gid=80433

Last of the French River Series

I do not often get the chance to see where my work ends up, but I was humbled to place the piece shown here (French River Series, 48x72, oil on canvas, 2005). The special place for this work is a dining room in the home of friends. The piece and the series retains a particular place in my heart as it was after a 2004 fishing trip to the French River that I painted it. My brother-in-law (whom I actually consider a brother), my son and I share an absolutely fabulous memory of wonderful weather, scenery and excellent fishing. It is a memory of tranquility, peace and beauty-there are sections of the river where no sign of man can be seen-a rare gem in life.
My hope is that when this family enjoys a dinner together that the inspiration behind the piece makes the day- the piece is about harmony, and that feeling you get on those rare days that you feel you can see forever and beyond.

Say hello..............remain..............................................................all your faults in me.........................

In the Cosmo series entitled "Camminando Verso", I developed the figures of "everyman" and "everywoman" after the great modern painters such as Bacon, Warhol, and our very own Michael Snow. But the missing link in the chain of inspiration came through music and lyrics wafting into my studio from my daughter's room. I have listened to this artist since he burst onto the scene over a decade ago. My daughter insisted at the time ( she was a teen then) that this was art and not soon to be dismissed - she was absolutely right. The music, the haunting lyrics have crystallized over the years and have become seemingly more relevant with the passage of time. It is something to which all art aspires-that timelessness. Although APPARITIONS remains among his most recognizable works, I for one have been inspired by a number of pieces through the years. I want to add that on my last visit to Vancouver I was in the Vancouver art gallery and was reprimanded for trying to photograph the exquisite railing which is found on the cover of White Light Rock and Roll Review. Those collectors who have pieces in my Citta series should look for it. I managed to "remember" it and incorporate it into my work. In Vancouver, I'm represented by Artworks gallery, and Whiterock gallery.

And so I conclude by thanking a respected fellow Canadian artist by stating that just when you think it's all for nothing-it turns out it's helping someone, somewhere: many thanks, Matthew-it's all Good.

This weekend, if you are in the T.O. area, be sure to catch Toronto Art Expo at the Convention Centre. I'll be represented by Crescent Hill Gallery. A number of pieces will be shown, all of recent vintage. Enjoy!

Well,well,well! What a show, what a party! It was great to see old friends, clients, art collectors, my former students and family all in one place- all in the name of art. I am in awe, and I am grateful for the attendance on a Monday night! There are so many people to thank, starting with Michael Grit and the staff of the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. I salute all those who pushed for this facility especially Italo Brutto who I might proudly add happens to be a first cousin. I was taken by the response to Emozioni and it was fun to see the reaction on the part of those collectors who actually expected something else. Yes there were sales on opening night and I am thrilled to know that the new work generates such excitement. All I heard throughout the evening was that it held positive energy and that it evoked a sense of euphoria, of well-being. Not too shabby. The answer to the oft-asked question of what inspires me was in plain sight last evening. My daughter was busy describing a piece to a client; my son was busy all evening with lighting, wrapping, and photographing and filming and my biggest fan, my lovely wife, was making sure it all ran smoothly. My inspiration is with me - always. To all of those who could not make it to the opening, the show will remain until April 30,2011. The venue is open every day and most evenings. To all who attended-hearfelt thanks for your continued support. And remember, you have a date to mark on your calendar-October,2013-Carrier Gallery, Toronto-ADAMO:"Full Circle"

A REMINDER TO ALL THOSE WHO WILL FIND THEMSELVES IN NEW YORK THIS WEEKEND: CHECK OUT MY NEW WORK AT NEW YORK ART EXPO, BOOTHS 701 & 801 ,PIER 4, HUDSON RIVER ....MARCH 25-27, 2011

IN APRIL: TORONTO ART EXPO 2011

IN DECEMBER: ART MIAMI 2011

AND LET'S NOT FORGET: APRIL 11, 2011 "EMOZIONI": a collection of NEW WORK : RICHMOND HILL CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 6-10 p.m. SEE YOU THERE!

I am currently putting the finishing touches on pieces for my upcoming show entitled EMOZIONI. The solo exhibition will showcase current pieces familiar to those who have followed my career and newer, perhaps surprising works on a larger scale. I am, needless to say excited about the direction my work has taken and look forward to the response by the public. The venue (RICHMOND HILL CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS) is elegant despite the fact that it's sole purpose is not that of a gallery. It is, nonetheless, a space devoted to celebrating the arts and there is always something exciting going on. This solo show marks the last one of it's kind in Canada for me until I return with a first major retrospective in October of 2013 at the Joseph D. Carrier Gallery in Toronto. That major exhibition will be called, appropriately, FULL CIRCLE. I look forward to meeting as many friends as possible on APRIL 11,2011- these things often turn out to be mid-week socials which is rather nice and they are also good excuses for old friends and acquaintances to catch up. The last time I had a show in the G.T.A. in 2008- a couple showed up and introduced themselves as "collectors"- I hadn't seen these high school sweethearts since my days at Emery Collegiate. You never know who you will meet! And yes, it all happens around art! Stay tuned in the upcoming weeks for further information.

Cavalleria

The pieces above are from the Wild Horses series. They are not so much about horses as beautiful creatures or about the essence of the horse as they are about the energy and spirit we humans are able to perceive from one of nature's wonderful forms. You don't have to be a trainer, or even a rider to appreciate the majesty. This positive energy is all around us should we seek it.

Do you like the blue ones or the red ones?

Wild Horses by Pietro Adamo. Mixed media on wood. 44"x44". 2011.

All rights reserved. Inquiries:905 893 9825

In "Dinamica",above(48x48 mixed media on canvas) the recorded actions of the process of painting serve in keeping the piece alive, like a captured stitch in time. It is this sense of the frozen moment which gives abstract expressionism its relevance-it refuses to age even as this freestyle painting approaches the golden years. We thought it would go away with time declared its early critics. The critics are gone. The art remains. Amid the comments of how this work is "cool" and "sophisticated" or "I like it even though I don't get it" one fact remains: it has and always will survive. It has become after all, somewhat of a tradition.

Available through Progressive Fine Art, 416 860 0983 ext.1

In a Galaxy far,far away...Emozioni...this series (above) can truly take one literally across the universe of the imagination. Freestyle abstract expressionism is a partnership between the artist and the viewer. The artist paints his vision and the audience participates in its creation by bringing personal experience to the table. Certain colour combinations along with forms and recorded actions (swirls, splashes, pours) can trigger emotions and recollections in the audience so that individuals react on a personal level to what their eyes are recording.

Galacticos 1&2 (mixed media on canvas, 2 60"x30") 2011 is available through Progressive Fine Art 905 860-0983 ext. 1)

We attended a wonderful two hour set of music performed by our friend on Wednesday evening at the Reservoir Lounge. She was at the top of her game as she belted out song after song. She's still pursuing a dream-her fabulous voice improving with the passage of time. She looked beautiful accompanied by a solo guitarist whom she has known for years-together they truly shone for the crowd in the intimate setting. As we sat there absorbing the music, it became crystal clear that artistically, she has indeed, arrived.
If I were to paint to her music and reflect upon it, the imagery would be found in Linea Verde above, from the Camminando Verso series. The unmistakeable jazz feeling in the air, the cosmopolitan crowd and the mood of searching, wanting-the journey truly is, then, the destination.

We are becoming one world and whereas the images in Camminando Verso (mixed media on birch ply, resin finish,24"x24" each, 2011) once were familiar only in the west, they now can be found in any city, anywhere on the planet. The figures could represent anyone at any given place at any given moment in time. The names of cities appear and reappear like some subtext in a grand scheme. Where are these people, who are they and where are they going? This "walk of life" continues 24/7 everyday....the walk towards......................?

A thought to begin the new year: I was at a party attended by artists from North America, Europe and South America. I could not think of a better way to start the year than to touch base with working artists who are friends as well as colleagues. As the evening progressed with the usual wine, song and laughter I could not help but think that the resilience of art and artists

is something needed badly in the world today. Art persists.