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Artist Bio
Aaron has been a very prolific artist for decades. His use of earthy
colors and interesting styles are often cited as the reasons for his popularity.
The figures , often deliberately void of implication, are almost immersed in
nature as if they were made of the same subject matter. As Monet said, "I took
my greatest lessons from nature". Most artists styles have some form of nature
and also math to them. Aaron's style has implications of both in his work. If
you've ever looked at a tree and thought you saw a face in the lattice of the
branches , then you see the inspiration for some of Aaron's style. If you look
at Pollock from a geometric perspective, there are those who have theorized that
there is a system behind the splatter similar to that in nature and higher math
called fractals. Although loose and free like the lattice of branches there is
also a light structure to the chaos. There is a harmonious balance to the style
so both sides of the brain can enjoy the image without being overpowered by
either. The structured math-oriented side but at the same time equally
combined with the extremely loose and colorful emotional side.
For many years Aaron has been collected by patrons in the U.S. and abroad. Recently, the L.A. cable station Adelphia
did a segment on his unique technique and usage of mixed media. As a grandson of world renowned Italian sculpture Alexander Giampietro and nephew of a large family of Italian artisans, there was always a lesson in craft.
(Alexander Giampietro is a professor emeritus of art, "Professor Giampietro's
artwork is in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York
City, the Smithsonian Institution and the Vatican.)
Aaron is fortunate to have guidance and insight from his mother Mary Giampietro
and her understanding of balance and construction of composition, color and
subject . She is a painter and designer who has studied art extensively. He also
benefited from the visualization and meditation techniques of his father Kevin
Thornton who is a lawyer and has added theoretical dimensions to the narratives within many pieces.
Growing up in a small town of about 4000 in Bethlehem, Connecticut helped Aaron to deeply explore his craft and subject matter. It was a very organic childhood in this environment and speaks thru his work and he finds that painting helps him reconnect with his upbringing. He left his hometown and went to college at the University of Connecticut on a sports scholarship.
At a young age Aaron was very successful as a state champion and nationally ranked decathalete and collegiate record holder at Uconn. He left for California after college and was in a life threatening motorcycle accident in Burbank which ended his Olympic dreams but also focused him more than ever in pursuing his career in painting. He spent a couple of years on the couch unable to walk but happy to be able to paint to his heart’s content.
Back on his feet, Aaron continued his studies at the Otis College of Art and Design. In addition to learning by painting hundreds of original pieces a year in order to discover a unique voice on the canvas. His training in sports along with a degree in exercise physiology helped Aaron to achieve a different look into the human form. He is always looking to break barriers as an emerging contemporary artist while respecting the traditions and techniques of the masters of the past. Categorically speaking Aaron could be considered an abstract expressionist.
"I'm lucky to have the support and love of my amazing and talented brothers (Dan and Sean) and sister (Bridget). And of course my parents also".
You can link up with Aaron on the facebook tab below. Stop in to say hello or
join the Aaron B. Thornton Artwork group to get the most up to date info on
current work and events.
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