A Little About the Artist

MATTEO’s work is the ultimate combination of technology and creativity. His background in photography and graphic design serve as the springboard for his paintings. MATTEO’s work has transitioned from applying color with traditional painter’s tools—brushes—to the application of color using spray paint.

The steps leading up to applying color are complex. MATTEO’s paintings are structured like onions, built layer upon layer. Each painting begins with a photographic image that is deconstructed into multiple layers of black and white imagery using photo software. Each of those layers is used to create a stencil for applying color. The vinyl stencils are either cut by hand or by a commercial plotter, traditionally used for commercial graphics.

Using canvass as the substrate, MATTEO builds his paintings one stencil and one color at a time. To achieve a soft edge to his areas of color, the stencils are lightly positioned on the picture plane before applying spray paint. MATTEO prefers pure hues for his palette however often creates works that are studies in gray.

Imagery ranges from popular personalities such as Johnny Cash, Leonard Bernstein and John Lennon to easily identifiable structures like the Golden Gate Bridge. Paintings are often composed of multiple panels or as a series created with subtle color variations.

Earlier works by MATTEO range from painterly studies using iconic imagery and personalities to pixilated portraits of celebrities.

MATTEO STUDIOS

1631 S. 10th Street, Suite 4B
San Jose, CA 95112
E: info@matteostudios.com
P: 408.885.1231