I studied architecture at the University of Southern California (USC) at the same time as my sister who was studying Fine Arts. At USC both architecture and fine art schools are housed in the same buildings. This gave me exposure to a lot of art as it was being created. I took several art classes myself. I had always been interested in arts ever since childhood.
I remember one particular class where we were scheduled to do a project in pastel. We had a model scheduled who did not show up. Interestingly on that day, one of my classmates had his mother visiting. Kindly she volunteered to sit in as the model. After we all finished our projects, we had a review session on all the work produced.
They were all interesting and varied. But for me, this session has remained a precious memory. I was approached by my friend’s mother asking if she could buy my painting! I was so thrilled and excited about the interest in my work that it encouraged me to continue my interest in arts.
I continued with my interest and over the years I sometimes worked and studied with my sister, Belinda Bernardi, who was a professional artist. I should say I learned a lot from her. Her art has had a strong influence on the style I continue to work in.
I love nature and flowers in particular. And for as long as I remember, I have been intrigued by colors. I remember as a very young child I used to break my colored pencils, powder them and mix them with water in order to try to come up with new colors.
Later in my career, as a graphic designer, I experimented with colors in graphic form and illustrations. But I find painting so therapeutic. There is a serenity that I enjoy while I work. It feels like traveling into another world and forgetting all reality. So I paint when I can.
I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy creating it.
Dino