Artist: John F. Falato
Title: Corn Cribs
Size: 12” x 18”
Medium: Oil on Panel
John Falato is about as classic and timeless as they come. His work is impeccable, capturing details in the landscape undetectable to even a trained eye. His quiet hand makes the most of every stroke bringing color, light and form together in expertly crafted compositions. When John came into Wholesale Frame before the winter holidays looking to frame a portrait of his daughter, I was immediately enamored with the artwork and knew he had to be my next "Artist Spotlight" interview. John, fairly so, wanted to be represented by his newest works and offered to bring them in for a mini photoshoot. More than happy to spend time with his new work I took the opportunity to get an up close view at his seemingly effortless strokes. His work reflects a confidence, professionalism and tenure rarely seen in contemporary artists, so I had to find out more. With a long list of awards and recognitions, it’s his students current and past who likely benefit the most. As a professor of the Fine arts, John’s kind manner and wealth of knowledge about the field made me want to be a student all over again.
Jumping back to age 9, John and his father went to Yankee stadium. Already obsessed with baseball, John was amped for the game. Upon arrival, he saw a building and couldn’t conceive of how a baseball field would fit inside. The deceiving shell led to a great surprise. Welcomed by the massive diamond shaped arena, chairs piled into the sky and bursting energy, John was a long way from the little league field he knew. It was then that he started to draw incessantly, from figures on the field, to the grand scale of the stadium, John learned how to see. He ultimately taught himself perspective, technique, and, well - art. Of course, this was only the start. Trained as an illustrator at Paier School of Art and the University of Hartford, John was well on his way to becoming an art professional.
Beyond the entertaining stories, including an unbelievable one involving a conversation with the late Norman Rockwell, I was struck by the lengthy list of mentors. From Ken Davies, to Andrew Wyeth to Rudolph Zallinger and Richard Estes it’s clear that each one has brought light and reflection to John’s work the same way he has been a new inspiration to me and certainly many other young and experienced artists who have crossed his path.
Thank you John!
To John, what a wonderful piece! I miss our time together with our dear friend and mentor Ken.
All the best,
JoAnne
Eleanor Small
May 01, 2022
Your great instruction is still a part of me from days at Silvermine… I am on Facebook with a more recent piece of my work Wish you were closer in location