Each Painting Tells a Story
A native of New Orleans, Don Reggio grew up in an environment where the past lived alongside the present, Nature was never far away and the performing arts were practiced by his family all of which combined to provide him with a unique artistic vision and sense of place.
Don was the only student apprentice of Robert M. Rucker (1932-2001), a regional painter of Louisiana, who studied with nationally-known artist and teacher John McCrady (1911 – 1968). He earned a B.A degree in Fine Art from the University of New Orleans.
Working in oil, watercolor and egg tempera, Reggio is known for his classic portraits of the Louisiana landscapes and recently historic recreations of 19th C. steamboats, which Robert Rucker immortalized in his work. Equally significant are his paintings of historic buildings in old New Orleans and the unique traditions of her people, such as the Jazz Funeral.
Reggio is a jury-admitted member of the Louisiana Watercolor Society and a member of the American Society of Marine Artists. He has exhibited in numerous shows and has won First Place in several competitions such as The France/Louisiana Art Festival, Pirates Alley Art Festival and the Jambalaya Art Festival.
Galleries in several states have represented Reggio’s work which is included in corporate and private collections in North America. Reggio is currently represented by 600 Julia Gallery located in the New Orleans Arts District.
Don has taught drawing, watercolor and oil painting at the David School of Art, Marietta Recreation Department Adult education, and Kennesaw State University Continuing Education Program.
Here’s an example of the development stages of one of my paintings:
The painting starts with a pencil sketch.
The basic colors are washed in.
Opaque colors are laid over the washes.
Contrast and definition are developed.
Details and textures are refined.
Glazes and highlights are added for definition.
The finished painting comes to life!