The Honourable Santo Santoro (SOLD)
SKU:
A$0.00
per item
I chose Santo Santoro because of his strength of character and this really shows through in this painting. You cannot be in a room with Santo and not know he’s there, such is his presence.
When looking for a subject to paint I look for people who have power that is visible. In this regard, Santo is a good subject, though he was a bit perplexed and surprised that I chose him for my subject. He didn’t make it easy – it was only after several meetings that he agreed to sit for me. I am so glad he did. He has sat for me on four occasions. I believe the painting is a very good interpretation of the man I’ve come to know.
In my work, I believe I have captured a man who, for all his strengths and power - as shown during his career in both State Parliament and the Senate - also reveals a relatively unknown unpretentious and humble side of his character.
My ‘tongue in cheek’ portrait sees Santo front a fresco of imagery - Roman Senators, who include caricatures made up of some of his friends, former colleagues and famous people he has met dressed in togas. Characters include John Howard, Alexander Downer, George Bush, Prince Charles, Bronwyn Bishop and Tim Nicholls. The choice of these inclusions has been mine, done and drawn from publicly available information.
On Santo’s head is a Roman laurel wreath. At first, I didn’t think he would agree but in the end he said he respected and went along with my artist’s prerogative. The Roman laurel is a special feature of the portrait and Santo’s acceptance of it proves that he possesses a good sense of humour.
When looking for a subject to paint I look for people who have power that is visible. In this regard, Santo is a good subject, though he was a bit perplexed and surprised that I chose him for my subject. He didn’t make it easy – it was only after several meetings that he agreed to sit for me. I am so glad he did. He has sat for me on four occasions. I believe the painting is a very good interpretation of the man I’ve come to know.
In my work, I believe I have captured a man who, for all his strengths and power - as shown during his career in both State Parliament and the Senate - also reveals a relatively unknown unpretentious and humble side of his character.
My ‘tongue in cheek’ portrait sees Santo front a fresco of imagery - Roman Senators, who include caricatures made up of some of his friends, former colleagues and famous people he has met dressed in togas. Characters include John Howard, Alexander Downer, George Bush, Prince Charles, Bronwyn Bishop and Tim Nicholls. The choice of these inclusions has been mine, done and drawn from publicly available information.
On Santo’s head is a Roman laurel wreath. At first, I didn’t think he would agree but in the end he said he respected and went along with my artist’s prerogative. The Roman laurel is a special feature of the portrait and Santo’s acceptance of it proves that he possesses a good sense of humour.