Pino Dangelico, known as Pino in the art world, was born in Italy in November of 1939. Trained at the Art Institute of Bari, and later at Milan’s Academy of Brera, Pino was heavily influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites and Macchiaioli. The second of seven children (five girls, two boys), Pino was the only one who demonstrated artistic talent. Although not encouraged by his family to become an artist, he was adamant about his career choice. Realizing there was much more opportunity in America, Pino came to the United States in the late 70s, and became one of this country’s best-loved and most popular illustrators of romantic novel book covers using an unknown Italian model named Fabio. He created over 3,000 covers during his career, including those for two of Danielle Steele’s best-selling novels, Palomino and Once in a Lifetime. However, in 1994, Pino made a decision to reduce the number of illustration commissions he would accept, which allowed him more time to paint. Pino’s love of the human form, especially the female form is apparent. His canvasses emit feelings of warmth, nostalgia, love and family. Often set on vibrantly sunny beaches in the Mediterranean where he grew up, his warm and exciting colors, and the simple approach to his subjects, are his trademark and the reasons why his originals and limited editions are in growing demand throughout the United States and appreciated by collectors around the world.