Tony Bennett Still-life Paintings

Legendary Tony Bennett "NYC Cityscape" Contemporary Oil Urban Landscape New York Cityscape, c 1980, oil on canvas, signed by Tony Bennett at the lower right with his family name Benedetto. 16 x 12 inches and the framed painting measure framed, 17 3/4in x 13 3/4 inches. Provenance: Tour manager for Tony Bennett, BIO Tony Bennett is known as a vocal musician, but he is also known as Anthony Dominick Benedetto, an American visual artist. Benedetto was born August 3, 1926. He is the son of Italian immigrants from the Astoria section of Queens, New York. At the age of five Anthony was drawing pictures. He attended public schools and The High School of Industrial Arts in Manhattan where he studied art and music. Art was his first passion. In the 19th century artists like Vincent van Gogh searched for an expressive balance in art and music, but Benedetto/Bennett makes an impressive balance in both forms of artistry. The family name Benedetto means, "Blessed one", and Benedetto is how his art is signed. His paintings are impressions of the beauty throughout the world from his many music tours and travels. The development of Benedetto, the painter and the visual artist begins with James McWhinney, a junior high art teacher, who discovered Benedetto at 14 drawing Thanksgiving images with colored chalk in an Astoria gutter. Mr. McWhinney, told Benedetto,"I like what you are doing". McWhinney invited him to go painting on the weekend. This unforgettable event of the art teacher's beautiful watercolors created a lifelong impression, mentor and friend. Mr. and Mrs. McWhinney introduced him to the world of fine arts. Throughout Benedetto's life, daily drawing, painting and art are his passion. In 1962 a friend, Johnny Brascia challenged him to quit dabbling in the art. Benedetto became committed to his painting by concentrating on discipline and development. He searched for other artists who could teach him a higher standard. He technically viewed art in museums filming with cameras to aid in his study and development of style. He continued art studies in private studios with instructors throughout the years. Anthony Benedetto...