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. After an extensive period working 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. Calleri’s works take you to another time and place. His figures are full of character and the background provides insight to exactly where his characters came from. “I like to explore the figure within representational painting. By adding a slight distortion I am free to let the image create itself, using each piece as a lesson that is used in the next.” Calleri’s work has evolved into a smooth blending of the representational with quirky distortion. This unique combination has also served to create a deep narrative within the work. “The historical or “period” nature of my work lends itself to a style and palette that I enjoy, and reaches back to a seemingly simpler time. I love the challenges that each theme presents.” “My influences are from a wide variety of genres, from The Masters to the great Illustrators and many Artists alive today. They remind me constantly that the journey never ends and there is great knowledge to be gained.” Calleri works in a studio attached to his home in Santa Barbara, California. Using vintage reference photos, live models and imagination, his work is executed on Masonite panel or canvas. Magazine Articles: Southwest Art International Artist American Art Collector Western Art Collector Santa Fe Magazine Mountain Living Magazine