Born: June 1964
Primary Medium: Oil
Education
Maryland Institute College of Art:
Calleri’s experience at The Maryland Institute College of Art was a watershed event for him. The excellent training he received opened the window to all fields of art. Ironically, Fred took one painting class in college and only became seriously interested in professionally painting after the birth of his son in 1997.
Born in Maryland
Moved to Arizona in 2001:
After and extensive period in Graphic Design and Marketing, Calleri decided to move to Flagstaff in 2001 and take advantage of the history, scenery, people and especially the astounding light offered in the western regions of the U.S. Moved to Santa Barbara, CA in 2010.
Fred covers a wide range of styles and subject matter. By studying artists such as Anders Zorn, John Singer Sargent, Vermeer, Sorolla and many others as well as living masters today -Calleri aims to reproduce classic and nostalgic images using the master’s palette and mood to create an emotional reaction. As he explores different paths, the figure resonates throughout each piece.
While exploring the figure and representational painting in general, Calleri found by adding a slight distortion he was free to let the image take him where it wanted to go. Calleri injects into his images a romantic and mysterious quality. Now starting to evolve is a smoother blending of the representational with the quirky distortion, as well as an effort to create a deeper narrative with the work. The historical or “period” nature of the work lends itself to the style and reaches back to a seemingly simpler time. This theme resonates with casual observers and collectors alike. Calleri works in a studio attached to his home in Santa Barbara. Using vintage reference photos, live models, and imagination, the work is then created on Masonite Panel or Canvas.