Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Paluso.
Hi Christopher, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised here in San Diego, in the Pacific Beach area. Living in a family of five boys, I found myself always around sports. We were raised to watch and participate in all forms of sports attending Padres Baseball, Chargers Football, and Gulls Hockey games. It wasn’t until my Junior year of high school at Mission Bay High that I discovered my ability to draw. Taking mostly a Commercial Art course of study, I set my eye on becoming a professional illustrator. While attending San Diego City College, seeking an A.A.degree in Commercial Art, I studied under Harvey Adams, who had a career as a illustrator for Convair General Dynamics. Under his guidance, he had me ready by my fourth semester to apply for my first professional job at the largest architecture firm in San Diego- Daniel Salerno AIA and Associates in their art presentation department. My supervisor and mentor, Tony Sinclair, had a major impact on my future, helping me establish a work ethic and teaching me away from the workplace how to paint on stretched linen with acrylic paint. It was at this time I started to experiment with using watercolor paper with the acrylic paint to create a different style that eventually became my signature look. After the firm downsized, I sought a degree in Illustration, attending Cal State Fullerton and Cal State San Diego. Taking a shot at seeking to provide art for the Athletic Department, I got my biggest break with an introduction to the the media and promotion departments of the San Diego Padres. Within six months I began doing artwork for their media guide and program covers, and in 1978 the artwork associated with them hosting the MLB All-Star Game. Over the next ten years, I had the opportunity to create art for posters, prints, porcelain ceramic collector plates and steins. and magazine covers, most of which was associated with sports. In 1983, through the help of Bruce Binkowski, I secured the position of Official Artist for the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum and their Breitbard Hall of Fame. I continue that position today, and have created all 181 members, now housed in the Western Metal Supply Building in Petco Park, since the museum closed in 2017. Here in San Diego, I am honored to have twenty-three paintings that make up the San Diego Air and Space Museum’s Hall of Fame and permanent art for Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Little Italy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with any endeavor, there will always be good and bad times. As a freelance artist I found on a few occasions where I felt I made the wrong decisions to go with a company or producer. One major negative incident happened in 1987 entering into a contract with a sports memorabilia company owned by an attorney. I set up an association to produce a set number of paintings of sports greats along with the purchase of original art. After the first two years and some shaky accounting on his monthly payments, I hired a memorabilia dealer whose main job was an executive with a major automotive manufacture company. We ended up making some demands and after getting to the end of the contract, completing the required twenty-seven paintings and signing 17,000 limited edition prints, I entered into a pro bono arrangement with a high profile law firm in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, even though I was on my way to winning my case and his counter suit, it got delayed too long and I ended up never receiving my owed $500,000 in royalties. That was one of a few setbacks I encountered and a few challenges I had to overcome when I entered into the education field teaching art. Through it all, I have had the support of my wife whom I wed in 1978. I could not have navigated these times without her.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a professional artist/illustrator for 47 years, I set in motion a way to establish my look and set in place a process of continuous growth. I feel in some ways I am now producing some of my best work. I also have associated myself with organizations and venues for my art where there is a high level of trust. A recent collaboration is with Art Scene West Gallery in Seaport Village. They have provided an avenue for both my printed and original art, along with an opportunity to teach some art classes. The work that stands out the most for me are the projects that require that I have portraits as the focus of the artwork, whether its done in graphite pencil or acrylic on watercolor board. My work is now part of Hall of Fames and museums across the country. I take pride in the fact that I am blessed with the ability to achieve a strong likeness. In 2004, a career highlight was producing artwork used in Disneyland Hong Kong. I did paintings for the signage on the Jungle River Cruise attraction. It was a a dream come true. In recent work with the San Diego Zoo’s Academy, producing training courses as a volunteer, my art of different animals has been very rewarding. My hope is that it helps youth to help fight against extinction and save habitats around the world.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Early on in my career, my father told me to never forget to talk about the people who have helped me along the way. I have in previous answers given those individuals an acknowledgement but I could add here. Besides my family, one inspiring individual was the famous sports artist and fine art painter, Merv Corning. His art for the NFL that inspired me to do sports art took place my second year in college. A number of years later I worked on a project for former NFL star lineman Ron Mix. of the Chargers. Merv was the lead artist and art director of a limited signed Hall of Famers oversized card set. We became friends after the completion of the project and exchanged calls over the years until his passing in 2006. I have maintained that connection with his wife, Tula Corning, and she was instrumental in me securing a recurring assignment of creating artwork for Mr. Art Rooney Jr. , the son of the founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I am following in the footsteps of Merv doing similar art for postcards that he sends out weekly.
On my journey not only were individuals my clients, but in many cases they became friends. It’s a life lesson taught to me by my father.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/christopherpalusoart
Image Credits
Photo credit by the Artist Christopher Paluso
