Sandro Negri was born in 1940 in what he describes as "the month of Sunflowers"— and he was born to make art. He began life in the northern Italian farming village of Virgilio, where he began to draw the things he saw around him on walls and in the frost of windowpanes.

He was working as an X-ray technician when Italian director, Cesare Zavatinni, spotted his paintings on the examining room wall. Zavatinni, leader of the Italian Neorealism film movement, liked what he saw so much that he not only bought the work, he arranged for Sandro’s first exhibit in 1970 and the start of his successful art career.

Giallo e Nero "Girasoli" ~ 040082

Sandro began exhibiting primarily in Italy. His fame grew beyond the Italian border, and he was soon exhibiting throughout Europe, publishing his first monograph in 1976. By the mid-1990’s he was also showing in the United States and Canada.

Two drawings were purchased for the Vivian and Gordon Gilkey permanent collection at the Portland Art Museum in 1997. A thirty-year retrospective exhibit of Sandro’s work was held at Casa del Mantegna in Italy in 2000 and the lush catalogue was produced to accompany that exhibit.

Ultimi Grappoli ~ 05013

Sandro established his Paris Studio in 1989, and it was about this time that Sandro’s palette noticeably changed from the more somber earth tones of his early work to bold bright colors reflecting the optimism he had found at mid-life. Once again, a filmmaker discovered his work, and he was commissioned to produce the marketing poster for Robert Altman's 1990 film, "Vincent & Theo." Sandro later received another commercial commission from Air Dolomiti airline to produce artwork for their posters, brochures and tickets.

Vigneti ~ 05027

Sandro lives and works in the restored medieval Palazzo Cavalcabò, which is said to also be occupied by a ghost. The villa is located in Mantova, Italy where he encounters some of his favorite subjects—the flowers, fields and inhabitants of the Italian countryside.

Brian Marki frequently visits Sandro in his studio and says that "being in the villa is indescribable — the beauty of the architecture is coupled with hundreds of Sandro’s paintings floor to ceiling and beyond. In spite of the beauty and elegance, this was clearly the studio of a hard-working and talented artist. After having the chance to see Sandro at work, it was clear that he is happiest when he is painting — and it shows in his work."

A portion of the Grand Staircase at Palazzo Cavalcabò

• Visit Sandro's Web site,
  http://www.sandronegri.it/

For more information and images about Sandro, please contact Brian Marki.