RONALD

TUTONE

Ron Tutone grew up in Brooklyn, New York in a neighborhood called Flatbush in the 1960s. Ron says, “The Lords of Flatbush with Henry Winkler was filmed right outside my high school, so that’s our claim to fame.” What Ron liked most about his childhood is that there were literally 50 kids who lived on his block. “There was always someone to play with right outside my front door – every day. We had no shortage of friends.” Ron attended college at City University in Manhattan and earned his Associate’s Degree in Computer Science. He then went on to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science from Rugters University, and finally, rounded out his impressive education with a Masters Degree in Software Engineering from Monmouth University in New Jersey. Ron was married for 20 years and has 4 adult children in their 20s and 30s, as well as 6 grandchildren, aged newborn to 6 years old! Ron moved to Cary, North Carolina in 1998 when there was “a gold rush of lucrative technology jobs being created in the Research Triangle” and has never looked back! Ron says, “ I find Information Technology to be very creative; mastering it is a kind of art. It’s about solving complex problems with various computer languages. I still have a full-time job in IT and it will be another 3 years before I can retire,” Ron says. “But painting is now my part-time job, and I’m awfully excited about it since I have a great boss, the pay is fantastic and the hours are very flexible.” (wink, wink.) Ron’s artistic ability was discovered unexpectedly at the age of 51. At the time, he was dating an art teacher who took classes at Art Of The Carolinas in Raleigh. In 2011, she treated him to an art class for his birthday, taught by local teacher Joe DiGuilio. “Joe gave me just the right amount of instruction and encouragement,” Ron remembers. “That very night was the spark that launched a passionate journey into the world of becoming a painter. I came home with excitement and momentum, immediately converting my work-out room into a studio. I sold the 2nd painting I had ever made the next day and my 6th painting a week later on Facebook.” Bitten by the art bug, Ron made over 200 paintings in his first year alone! Today, Ron paints every day, taking a break in between pieces to recharge and reflect. New pieces get hung in his living room. Ron allows himself the luxury of personally enjoying his own paintings for a few months before offering them up for sale. “My favorite genre to explore is pure abstract expressionism using acrylic paint,” Ron says. “And I also enjoy painting cityscapes. That always brings back memories of my early years working on Wall Street. I never got tired of looking at the city skyline as I crossed the Brooklyn Bridge.” Ron loves the challenge of starting a new painting, and mentions that he used to be “under the illusion that new works of art are generally simple and easy to do if you’re an artist.” He found out quickly that nothing could be further from the truth! Ron, who grew up taking piano lessons, has observed that it takes enormous dedication to become a great musician or a great visual artist – the parallels are surprisingly similar. Abstract art is Ron’s primary focus. “I’m drawn to it primarily because it leaves the viewer with unanswered questions. What you see in it may change, so it’s a gift that keeps on giving, even to the creator.” Ron has an outstanding natural ability to intertwine unique colors and textures in his work. After receiving a ton of supportive feedback from fellow artists, teachers and buyers, Ron has been working diligently to perfect his craft. Amusingly, he considers some of his greatest works to be “accidental successes.” To date, Ron has sold close to 100 pieces. “When complete strangers fall in love with one of my paintings, I find that very humbling. I get an inward sense of satisfaction knowing that the way I ‘see’ sparks a response in someone else.” Ron Tutone is a fascinating person! Before he took up painting, he was an avid stained glass artist, capable of creating intricate inlaid kitchen cabinets, Tiffany lamps, or stained glass windows. He also holds an NC General Contractor’s license and is a self-described “serious home improvement specialist,” able to remodel bathrooms & kitchens, and complete high-quality masonry work. And as if that weren’t awe-inspiring enough, additionally, Ron is a writer and a poet! “I’m currently working on a romantic comedy storyline and hope to get it published,” Ron says. “Overall, the creative side of me just won’t give up! That’s probably why I was so taken with painting from the first moment I picked up a brush.”

Growing up in Brooklyn and working and playing in Manhattan gave me a unique impression of the city, especially after the sun hid behind the massive buildings. My art finds a way to bring back those memories, but in a more abstract way that doesn’t tire the eyes but rewards them with new found lines and shapes and surprises. Other times, I just like to play with things that excite me to explore what they might look like expressed on canvas using my favorite set of acrylics.

Acrylic

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