Professional artist and art teacher Augie Tantalo was a special guest at the March meeting of the Palo Verde Artists club in Sun City. His presentation was a discussion of some of his techniques and how his artwork has evolved over the years.

One of his most intriguing ideas was the cropping of already finished paintings in interesting ways to produce new paintings, sometimes resulting in several new pieces from one already completed piece. His display of various paintings showed his evolution as an artist from realistic to a more abstract style of painting.

Tantalo was born and raised in the small town of Bradford, PA. He comes from a creative family, most of whom were musicians. His earliest influence was his older brother, who liked to draw and was the one who encouraged his interest in art. Around the time he was nine years old, Tantalo began to watch and learn from him.

In addition, Tantalo’s high school art teacher was supportive and encouraged him to continue his love of art. He enrolled in an art program at Edinboro State College, where he studied for three years before moving to Arizona. He earned his bachelor’s degree in art education from Arizona State University and eventually earned dual certification in art and science with a minor in mathematics. The science certification enabled him to get a job teaching science at a juvenile detention center where he taught for one year before being hired to teach art in the Gilbert Public School District, where he taught for 28 years. He also taught evening classes for adults at the Mesa Arts Center for several years.

Growing up in the Allegheny Mountains helped Tantalo develop a deep appreciation and respect for nature, which has been a primary source of inspiration and continues to have a strong impact on his choice of subject matter. He considers himself to be a realistic painter but with a style that focuses on the elements of a scene such as color, line, shape, value and texture.

“I have come to realize that nature provides an endless supply of images, such as the natural textures of rocks, leaves, and tree bark, or the reflections on the transparent surface of water that helped me develop an appreciation of abstract art,” he stated.

Although he has experimented with various media, Tantalo’s preferred medium is oils. Some of the artists who have provided inspiration for him include Norman Rockwell, Michelangelo, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Frederick Remington, Charles Russell, Ed Mell and Salvador Dali. And the list continues to grow.

When asked what his advice would be to beginning artists or artists who are looking to improve, Tantalo replied, “I would highly encourage anyone at any level of experience interested in art to just get a sketch book and some regular pencils. Pieces of paper from your personal copier work great. Make sure you have an eraser and start sketching in a nice relaxing environment with some music in the background. Art is very therapeutic and personally gratifying.  Taking basic classes would be the next step.”  

Examples of his artwork are available online by googling his name or he can be reached by email, augiesartr529@aol.com, and requesting to view his photo album. He is currently setting up a new website, which should be ready soon. Tantalo also takes commissions and is willing to listen to ideas concerning possible future commissioned art pieces.

Membership in Palo Verde Artists is $10 per year and is open to RCSC cardholders only. The gallery in the club room is open to the public and is located on the upper level of Sundial Recreation Center, 14801 N. 103rd Ave.

Visit paloverdeartists.com for more information.