Al Serino is a visual artist based in New York. In his work, he explores the relationship between surrealism and the landscape. By nature, he is a surrealist. As well as surreal art, Al Serino enjoys surreal music, surreal films, and surreal humor. Landscape painting has also always been a passion for him, in particular romantic and seasonal landscape paintings.
You can see more of Al Serino’s work on his Pictorem profile and read more about his work below.
What first got you into art?
Al Serino: I grew up in a household with a lot of creativity. My parents were both art historians which led to me being exposed to a lot of different styles and techniques from a young age. I’ve always been drawn to the creative process and wanted to be an artist. By the time I was in high school I was sketching full time and by the end of the decade, I was drawing full-time as a profession, displaying .
Can you tell us about your artistic education? Did formal education play in your artistic growth or did you find that elsewhere?
Al Serino: In 2004, I graduated from The Massachusetts College of Art with a BFA in painting.
The higher education I received was very beneficial to my art career. Pushing and challenging myself, gave me the structure I needed.
Following my BFA, I took a four-year break. During this break, I was able to make sure that being an artist was what I really wanted to do. I think sometimes bumbling around isn’t appreciated as much as it should be.
It was during this time that I felt lost artistically. My worst artwork to date. The struggle was tough, but it also gave me the insight I needed to make my MFA meaningful.
As a result, I was able to make the most of my education when I returned to school. My coursework became more purposeful as a result. Sometimes I used independent studies to learn what I needed instead of enrolling in classes. As part of my independent study, I learned about tax codes. The university also offered me the opportunity to take a leadership course for credit.
Graduate school was a worthwhile experience for me. I was able to fail and feel lost between undergraduate and graduate school, which made it a good fit for me.
Please describe your artwork style
Al Serino: I try to draw in a loose, flowing style that is easy on the eye but maintains a certain amount of structure. When I first started out as an artist I didn’t know what I was doing. Searched for artists on LinkedIn to get in contact with. I just drew whatever was coming into my head and hoped it looked like art.
I guess now I take a different approach. If I’m not sure what style I should be using, then I look to the masters. Great artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael have all used different techniques and styles to create some of the most beautiful works in the history of art.
What advice do you have for aspiring visual artists?
Al Serino: As an artist, unless you have an early break or financial support, you are likely to run your art practice alongside your life, between other commitments. That’s what I’ve done. Those who keep working and find the time to do this will get to where they want to go. I have found time and will continue to find it.
Artists are fortunate in the sense that they are driven to produce work. It is important to create because we need to create like we need to eat or drink. You are the only person who can make your work. Find the time to fulfill your purpose.
One of the most important things for any artist to do is to try out different techniques and styles until they find something that works best for them. Experimenting with different techniques and styles can greatly improve your work and lead to more successful projects in the future.
