Pino was born in Bari on November 8, 1939, he began his studies at the citys Art Institute. In 1960 he entered Milan&s Academy of Brera where he perfected his talent and skill for painting nudes. In the two years he studied at the Academy, he came under the influence of the Pre-Raphaelites and Macchiaioli. Pino also experimented with Expressionism of the late sixties during his stay in Milan. From 1960 to 1979 his work appeared in several major exhibitions throughout Italy and Europe. At the same time, he was commissioned by Italys two largest publishers. Mondadori and Rizzoli, for book illustrations. However, Pino felt restricted in Milan. He wanted more artistic freedom which he believed existed in the United States. In 1979, he emigrated to the United States under the sponsorship of Borghi Gallery where he held several shows in New York and Massachusetts. In 1980, after knocking on many doors, Zebra Books Publishers commissioned him to do his first book cover. His interpretation was new, fresh and sensual, an illustration so successful that he gained entry into creative relationships with many leading publishers of Romance novels. His popularity grew within the literary community and he became the artist-in-demand for Zebra, Bantam, Simon, and Schuster, Harlequin, Penquin USA and Dell. To date, Pino has illustrated 3,000 books; his style has dominated and influenced the market. Although Pino devoted thirteen years to illustrating book covers, he never abandoned his desire to return to fine art. In the United States be became fascinated with the works of Soralla, Sargent, Benson and William Merrit Chase. In 1992 he contacted one of the major galleries in Scottsdale, Arizona, the May Gallery, and sent five paintings which were well received. Since then his paintings have appeared in Morris and Whiteside Gallery in Hilton Head and Stuart Johnsons Settlers West Gallery in Tucson. Pino has been invited to make several appearances on major TV networks and has been interviewed in national and international journals. In addition, his ability to capture the movements and expressions of his subjects has brought him private commissions to do portraits. Pino resides in New Jersey with his wife, a son and a daughter. [ Art Index ] Ashley's (919)552-7533