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The Story of Vidan
 | | "Springtime Stroll 36x24 Oil by Vidan |
One of our goals here at Mockingbird Gallery is to periodically share bits of information about the artists we represent to you, our clientele, in order to help you get to know these amazing individuals as people, and not strictly as artists or professionals.  | |
Vidan
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To further that end, we decided to share some background about the artistic legacy of Vidan to his famous relative, Pino. Many of you may have heard of this internationally famous artist who was Vidan's uncle. Having a famous relative in the same profession can create complications. As Vidan states,
"I feel very lucky and proud to have had an uncle so talented and generous of his time. On the other hand, because I am trying to develop my own artistic personality, I choose to not overplay that particular aspect."
Vidan (Vittorio Dangelico) was born in the picturesque city of Perugia, which is nestled in the Tuscan hills between the elegant cities of Rome and Florence. In his youth, Vidan realized at an early age his passion for the arts. His vocation was established quickly and pursued with zeal. He attended some of the finest art schools in Italy including the Liceo Artistico di Milano and later the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Brera. Recently after receiving 6 beautiful new works from Vidan, we decided to reach out to him with some questions about his upbringing, his work and his connection to his uncle. MOCKINGBIRD GALLERY: Did you always draw as a child and were you encouraged by your parents? VIDAN: "Yes, I did always enjoy painting and drawing. It started around the age of 10, doing my first attempts at portraits for friends and family. Both my mother and father (Pino's brother) were always supportive and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. At the same time, my uncle Pino was living in Milan with his family, doing illustration work for Italian books and magazines. I remember him inviting me to his studio to watch him work." MG: Is it true that you studied under your uncle as a child? If so, at what age did you begin lessons? VIDAN: "At about 11 or 12 years of age, I would spend time in the studio with Pino and study his techniques. He taught me the basics of painting during that time. At the age of 15, I was enrolled in art school and continued to apply that knowledge as I developed my artistic skills." MG: When did you know you wanted to be a professional artist? VIDAN: "While I was studying art in Italy, my uncle Pino had moved to America to pursue a career in commercial and fine art. He once again invited me to spend the summer in his home and studio. I always loved America and painting, so when these two things came together, I decided to make the big move. I applied for my green card, and began to study English. By the time I arrived in America, I had made the decision that I was going to pursue commercial and fine art as a career. I spent about 3 years moving back and forth between art school in Italy and studying with Pino in America. Since that time I have had a successful career as a commercial artist painting book covers and illustrations and about 10 years ago, I transitioned into painting professionally as a fine artist. "  | | Artist Pino Dangelico with Original Oil |
MG: Both you and your uncle are figurative artists and paint beautiful women. What influenced your decision to focus on figures in your art? VIDAN: I would say that artists tend to paint subjects that are beautiful and attractive to them. I don't think there's anything more beautiful than the female body. I've painted still-life subjects and landscapes over the years, but my true passion is painting the human figure.  | | "Repose" 20 x 30 Oil by Vidan |
Please click HERE to see more works by Vidan on the Mockingbird Gallery website.
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