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A Virtual Tour of Love, Art, and Renaissance: Discover My Journey and Masterpieces

Join the Virtual Tour from Across the Globe

No matter where you are in the world, you can be a part of this one-of-a-kind event. Check the schedule below for your local time:

  • Los Angeles: Mar 19, 2023, 3:00 p.m. PST
  • New York: Mar 19, 2023, 6:00 p.m. EST
  • London: Mar 19, 2023, 10:00 p.m. GMT
  • Tokyo: Mar 20, 2023, 7:00 a.m. JST
  • Sydney: Mar 20, 2023, 9:00 a.m. AEDT

Reserve your spot for this exclusive virtual tour by visiting the official link: https://bit.ly/3ZRDEmZ

Embark on a journey of love, art, and inspiration as we explore the masterpieces that define my life’s work. Together, we will embrace the power of culture and the beauty of human connections.

A Personal Connection to Art and Renaissance

Whenever I am in town, I make it a point to conduct a tour of my artwork at my permanent gallery located inside Priano, the new 10-million-dollar haven for designers in Tampa. During these tours, I delve into my personal journey, my bond with Verona – my country, and the impact the Renaissance has had on my creations. The emotional connection forged between me and my audience brings every painting to life, creating a unique experience for all involved.

Unveiling the Stories Behind the Masterpieces

During the tour, I discuss the portrait of Anastasia, a personal epiphany that has deeply influenced my work. I also touch upon Michelangelo’s David, one of my proudest masterpieces that embodies the spirit of the Renaissance.

But the core of the tour is my reimagining of the timeless Romeo and Juliet story. I have transformed the tragic tale into a motivational journey, representing the emotional and personal growth necessary for maintaining a successful relationship.

Experience the Artwork in a Groundbreaking Online Event

For the first time, I am bringing this unique tour to an online platform, opening the doors for a wider audience to experience my artwork and the stories behind them. This virtual event is an excellent opportunity for you to meet me, ask questions, and be inspired by the journey and passion embedded within each piece.

Designed for art enthusiasts, lovers of Italian culture, and those who believe in the power of culture, this unprecedented event allows you to virtually walk alongside me as we explore the gallery together.

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Art enthusiasts engage in deep conversation with Alex Righetto about his artwork.

Why I've Abandoned Abstract Art: A Personal Perspective

The purpose of this post is to provide my perspective on the value of figurative art in storytelling. It is important to note that the opinions expressed are solely my own and may not necessarily reflect those of others.

The Power of Figurative Art in Storytelling

Art has been an integral part of human civilization for centuries. It is a medium through which people can express themselves, their ideas, and their emotions. Painters, in particular, have a unique ability to create visually stunning works of art that convey complex messages and ideas.

As a painter, I firmly believe that figurative art is the best medium to tell stories and convey messages.

Prehistoric Rock Paintings at Manda Guéli Cave in the Ennedi Mountains - northeastern Chad
Prehistoric Rock Paintings at Manda Guéli Cave in the Ennedi Mountains - northeastern Chad

Decoding the Art World: Navigating the Debate Between Figurative and Abstract Art

The debate over the value of abstract art versus figurative art has been ongoing for decades. Many argue that abstract art is the natural evolution of figurative art, building on the principles of form, color, and composition established by earlier artists. The work of Vasily Kandinsky, in particular, is often cited as an example of how abstract art can be used to translate music into a visual vocabulary, creating interesting and thought-provoking concepts.

While it is true that Kandinsky’s work paved the way for new possibilities in the art world, it can be argued that the subsequent shift towards abstract art has taken modern art down a strange and confusing path. The abandonment of recognizable imagery and form has left many modern artworks without any clear guidelines or rules, leaving the burden of interpretation solely on the spectator. As a result, many viewers are left feeling alienated and confused by these works, struggling to decipher their meaning or significance.

Despite this, it is important to recognize that the value of abstract art is not simply a matter of personal taste or preference. When used effectively, abstract art can be a powerful tool for conveying emotions, ideas, and concepts that cannot be expressed through traditional figurative art. The challenge for contemporary artists is to find a balance between the freedom and innovation that abstract art affords, and the communicative power of figurative art that connects with the viewer on a deeper level.

In my own work as an artist, I have found that figurative art provides a more relatable and accessible means of storytelling. Through the use of recognizable imagery, symbolism, and metaphor, I am able to convey messages and ideas in a way that engages and resonates with viewers. However, I also recognize the value of abstract art in exploring new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.

Ultimately, the choice between abstract and figurative art comes down to personal preference and artistic vision.

Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and each artist must decide which style best suits their individual goals and message.

Huile sur toile (1925) de Vassily Kandinsky. Musée National d'Art Moderne, Paris, France. Donation Nina Kandinsky 1976. AM 1976-856

The Dark Side of Abstract Art: How Weekend Painters Are Ruining the Art World

Furthermore, in the present day art world, there is an abundance of individuals who pursue art as a casual hobby without investing in the study of color, composition, anatomy, or storytelling.

These amateur artists simply apply paint to canvases in the hopes of generating some additional income without truly understanding the principles and techniques that underpin the creation of compelling works of art.

These amateur artists who dabble in art as a casual hobby and without pursuing enough competence have often turned to abstract art as their weapon of choice. One of the main reasons for this is that abstract art is relatively simple to afford, both in terms of time and resources.

The lack of foundational knowledge of color, composition, and anatomy can lead to works that lack coherence and impact. The absence of a clear message or narrative can also leave viewers feeling disconnected or unengaged with the artwork.

For more information, read this article : the importance of Art in our lives.

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Some art paintings don't require lots of effort

My personal choice

To clarify, I have never been drawn entirely to abstract art.

While I can appreciate its beauty and aesthetic value, it simply does not speak to me in the way that figurative art does.

I believe that figurative art, which is grounded in realism and representation, is the most effective way to communicate a message to an audience.

This is why all my work pivots around storytelling.

Storytelling has always been an essential part of human communication. Through stories, we can learn, connect with others, and explore the complexities of the world around us.

As a painter, my goal is to tell stories that inspire, educate, and provoke thought. I use figurative art to create narratives that are both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.

Two of my stories as an example

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The portrait of my grandfather

Read the story
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Romeo and Juliet

Read the story

As an artist, I have had the privilege of using figurative art to tell a variety of stories. Two cases that particularly stand out to me are the story of my grandfather Domenico and the Romeo and Juliet collection.

For the portrait of my grandfather, I wanted to capture his strength, dignity, and wisdom. I carefully selected the colors and composition to convey his personality and the challenges he had faced in his life. The result was a powerful portrait that communicated his life story and the lessons he had learned. This painting not only honored my grandfather’s memory but also served as an inspiration to others who saw it.

In the Romeo and Juliet collection, each painting served as a chapter of the story. I used figurative art to capture the emotion, drama, and tragedy of the famous Shakespearean play.

By using recognizable imagery and symbolism, I was able to convey the complex themes of the play and immerse viewers in the story. The collection became a powerful and emotional journey that resonated with viewers on a deep level.

These two cases demonstrate the power and versatility of figurative art. Whether it is a portrait of a loved one or a series of paintings that tell a story, figurative art can be used to create a connection with viewers and communicate a message that transcends language and culture.

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Beyond the Canvas: Creating a Connection with Viewers

Figurative art allows me to create characters, settings, and scenarios that are relatable to viewers. By using recognizable imagery, I can engage viewers on a more personal level and draw them into the story. Whether it is a portrait of a person or a landscape painting, figurative art can convey a sense of familiarity that makes the message more accessible and relatable.

Furthermore, figurative art offers a wealth of symbolism and metaphor that can be used to enhance the message. By carefully selecting the objects, colors, and textures in a painting, I can create layers of meaning that enrich the story and provoke deeper thought.

The symbolism in a painting can be used to explore complex themes such as identity, mortality, and social issues.

Ultimately, my goal as a painter is to create art that resonates with people on a deep level.

Figurative art allows me to do this by using storytelling as a means of communication. By telling stories through painting, I can create a connection with viewers that goes beyond the mere visual experience of the art.

This connection can inspire, educate, and provoke thought, and it is the reason why I choose to work exclusively in figurative art.

Priano location in tampa

Experience the Best of Contemporary Art and Design at Alex Righetto’s Priano Gallery in Tampa, Florida

Alex Righetto’s permanent gallery is situated within the innovative design center, “Priano,” which is located in the vibrant city of Tampa, Florida. Priano is a newly constructed, $10 million facility that caters to the needs of both homeowners and designers by offering a unique and carefully curated collection of interior finishes, appliances, fixtures art pieces.

See the gallery
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A Painting That Changed My Life

As an artist, I believe that each piece of artwork has the power to convey a unique message and evoke powerful emotions. My personal renaissance came when I painted a portrait of Anastacia.


Read the story here

Anastacia portrait sketch with pencils on paper with gold leaf frame. The sketch symbolizes the artist's personal renaissance and captures the beauty of the subject, Anastacia, with a wish for her to always keep the ocean in her eyes and dream big

My Personal Renaissance: The Story Behind My Portrait of Anastacia

As someone who has always been passionate about art, I never thought I would go 20 years without picking up a pencil. However, life has a way of taking us on unexpected journeys, and for me, it was a long period of time where I felt lost and uninspired

The painting that I created, a portrait of  Anastacia, holds significant value to me as it symbolizes my personal renaissance.

Capturing Beauty: The Process of Creating the Portrait

Anastacia is a young, smart, and beautiful woman who always managed to light up my life. One day, while taking a long walk with her at the beach and having my camera with me, I took a few pictures of her. But, her deep and interesting gaze captured my attention, and I knew I wanted to do more than just capture her in a photograph.

Anastacia portrait sketch with pencils on paper with gold leaf frame. The sketch symbolizes the artist's personal renaissance and captures the beauty of the subject, Anastacia, with a wish for her to always keep the ocean in her eyes and dream big
Introducing my masterpiece, Anastacia 🎨 A symbol of my personal renaissance and a testament to the beauty of this girl💕

I made a portrait of her using pencils, a medium that I was familiar with from my teenage years. I set up a space in my home, got my materials, and started the sketch. The most challenging part was shading her braids and hair, but I found joy in working on her facial features to truly capture her essence.

The Ocean in Her Eyes: The Meaning Behind the Sketch

The meaning behind the portrait is captured in her eyes. If you look closely, you’ll see the ocean, the beach, and the reflection of the horizon. I wanted to impart my wish for her to always keep the ocean in her eyes, to dream big and never give up on her aspirations as a young woman of color. The sketch was completed in 2021 and it comes with a beautiful gold leaf frame, symbolizing its preciousness and value to both me and Anastacia.

The journey of creating this portrait was a long and challenging one, but the end result was a beautiful masterpiece that holds a special place in my heart. It represents my love for Anastacia, my personal growth, and my triumph over feeling lost and uninspired.

From Inspiration to Reality

Sketching this portrait took me two months of hard work, but it was a journey worth taking. The process brought me back to my roots, reignited my passion for art, and reminded me of the joy that creating brings. I am grateful for the opportunity to capture the essence of Anastacia through this portrait and to start a new chapter in my artistic journey.

Listen to the full story

If you’re interested in learning more about my journey and the story behind this portrait of Anastacia, I invite you to press play on the player below and listen to the full story. Hear about the challenges I faced, the process of creating the sketch, and the deeper meaning behind every stroke of the pencil.

Anastacia’s portrait is not just a piece of art, but a symbol of my personal journey and a celebration of the beauty of those around us. The process of creating the sketch, from the first stroke of the pencil to the final details, was a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that can be found in the creative process. I hope this portrait will inspire others to find their own creative voice and to never stop dreaming big. And for Anastacia, I hope that this portrait will serve as a reminder of the beauty and potential within her.


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Reflections on a Hero. The story of my grandfather Domenico

[Note: this story was released on Veteran’s Day]

A tribute to all veterans and the story of my grandfather

As I pay tribute to all Veterans, my thoughts drift to the story of my grandfather, who served as the subject of one of my paintings. During the Second World War, he chose to defy the law and covertly evade military service.

This is the inspiring narrative behind my artwork, one that occurred during a unique time in history.

My grandfather, whom we affectionately called “Nonno Domenico,” was still living when I came into this world. Our bond was unique and meaningful, and he exuded a gentle and kind demeanor.

His wrinkled face framed his deep blue eyes, which I will never forget.

Unfortunately, when I was only five years old, he died in a senseless car accident that occurred right in front of his house.

He was walking on the side of the road and a car hit him. They never found the offender.

and old picture of my grandparents
An old picture of my grandparents

One day my parents told me his story.

During June, Hitler commanded the invasion of the Soviet Union, an operation known as “Barbarossa,” which was supported by the Italian army.

This region experienced some of the most significant battles and horrifying atrocities in history, all of which played a crucial role in shaping the course of World War II and the events that followed in the 20th century.

While serving in Russia alongside other Italian soldiers, my grandfather chose to desert the army covertly. At the time, he had a wife and a few children back home, with my mother yet to be born.

Deserting the army: the immense bravery and audacity of my grandfather

My grandfather’s main motivation for deserting was to avoid dying in battle and leaving behind his wife and children as orphans and a widow. His decision was an act of immense bravery and audacity, as he undertook the daunting task of walking back home, which took over 300 hours and spanned a distance of a thousand miles.

To avoid detection, he avoided main roads and traveled incognito.

 

Meanwhile, a covert resistance movement emerged among both the general population and the Italian army, ultimately leading to the downfall of Mussolini’s regime.

The toll of surviving an unimaginable ordeal

Upon returning from Russia, my grandfather had not only completed a journey equivalent to the distance from New Orleans to Washington or New York, but he also had to remain hidden underground for an entire year upon reaching home.

Just imagine having to spend every day hidden underground, isolated from the outside world, and only able to see your family at night.

My grandfather managed to survive this unimaginable ordeal, but the toll it took on him was severe. He was profoundly changed by the experience, becoming extremely withdrawn and reserved. He spoke very infrequently and suffered from intense nightmares.

When I first met my grandfather, I was too young to know about the hardships he had faced. Even if I had known, it’s hard to imagine fully comprehending the depth of his experiences as a child.

Now, 35 years later, I can only recall a handful of memories. I remember his eyes and his pipe, the smell of his cigarettes, his relaxed attire, and his sense of humor. I also remember how thin he was, with a belt that held up loose pants too big for his waist. He carried a knife he made himself.

Looking back now, I can’t help but think that if my grandfather had not been so courageous in defying the rules, I might not be here today to share his story.

While I believe it’s important to honor and remember the sacrifices of veterans and those who have given their lives to protect us, I also recognize that not every war is just or necessary.

Today, I am honoring my grandfather’s memory and celebrating the courageous decision he made to desert the war and save his own life, ultimately paving the way for mine.

Honoring my grandfather’s memory and celebrating his courageous decision

The original painting was sold in 2021 and is now owned by a private collector. It’s a watercolor on paper framed with a brown cigar leaf frame.

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If you’d like, you can obtain a certified and numbered copy that comes with an identical frame, mat, and UV-protected glass.

Order your copy here

The emotional impact of sharing my grandfather’s story

One of my watercolor paintings, which included a portrait of my grandfather, was featured in my first gallery exhibition in America in 2021. The exhibition took place in St. Pete, Florida.

As I shared the story of my grandfather, I noticed a person next to me who was going through some strong emotions. He expressed how much he loved the painting and said, “We all have that man in our lives.”

I handed him the painting and told him that it was his. When I visited his home recently, his wife shared with me that they plan to keep it forever.

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No war is just or necessary: the true costs of war and sacrifices made by individuals.

My grandfather was a man who made a courageous decision during a time of war. He went against the law and deserted the military service, walking over a thousand miles to return to his family.

I am grateful for his decision to desert the military, which ultimately saved his life and allowed me to exist.

 

Through my grandfather’s story, I have come to the realization that no war is just or necessary. While we should honor those who have served, we must also acknowledge the true costs of war and the sacrifices made by individuals and their families.

The bravery shown by my grandfather in deciding to desert the army rather than risk leaving his family without a husband and father is a testament to the human spirit and our innate desire to protect and care for our loved ones. His actions have had a profound impact on my life and I am grateful for the opportunity to share his story with others.