Young artist to watch in 2021
Anthony M. Cairo, Winter Light, oil, 20 x 30.
From: Michigan.
Art Education: BFA in drawing from Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, MI. After graduating, I did an apprenticeship with portrait artist and master decorative painter Joshua Adam Risner at the Michigan State Capitol, where I currently work as the lead decorative painter.
Style: Contemporary realism.
Creative Spark: The complexity of nature is my greatest influence. I am constantly exploring it.
Second-Choice Career: When I was in high school, I dreamed of becoming an Olympic marathon runner. I never came close to reaching that goal, but I still find the sport fascinating and inspiring.
Other Passions: Camping, backpacking, long-distance running, hiking, and kayaking. Living in Michigan allows for a lot of adventuring.
Best Advice Received: Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Biggest Fear: Losing my loved ones.
Quirkiest Trait: I love to improvise silly songs and dedicate them to my girlfriend, family, friends, and pets, even though I am not a good singer.
Mantra or Motto: If a plein-air painting doesn’t turn out, just tie a string to it and you got yourself a kite.
Favorite Studio Music: Radiohead, Nina Simone, and Jon Hopkins.
Favorite Work by Another Artist: JOAN OF ARC by Jules Bastien-Lepage and POOL PARTY by Zoey Frank.
Future Goals: To build a studio on my property.
Price Range: $150 to $5,000.
Representation: www.anthonymcairo.com.