Born in Italy, Asterio Pascolini moved to the United States in 1958 to begin a long and prolific career with Hallmark Cards as a designer and illustrator. Now retired, Asterio Pascolini's creative work continues to grow and evolve, his approach to art being a lifelong process of experimentation and discovery.
Asterio's scenes and studies are inspired by his extensive travels in the United States as well as England, France and his beloved Tuscany. He sketches several times from different angles and lights. Only after the mood and composition seem absolutely suited to the subject does the painting begin.
Painting quickly to keep the freshness of the watercolor, he first captures the shape and mood of the piece. Then, working over this wet-on-wet impression, he reinforces his central subject matter with a dry brush treatment. His use of "negative space" becomes as important to the composition as the painted elements.
For insight into Asterio Pascolini's creative process, view this amazing QuickTime movie that shows the creation of his painting "Colle vicino Siena" from sketch to final brushstroke.
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