Santa Monica-based fine artist Jeff DiCicco has been passionate about aesthetics since the very early years of his life. Unlike most children in grade school, he knew perfectly well that he would make his way as an artist. Keeping that promise, he was accepted into the prestigious Fine Arts Program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) where he focused his studies in the areas of drawing, painting and design. Shortly after graduating in 1997, DiCicco’s interest in the automotive culture brought him west to Southern California.

While most people consider them simply means of transportation, a select few regard the automobile as so much more. Some even view them as rolling works of art. DiCicco has counted himself in that category since his youth and has ever since been an avid car enthusiast. In his first painting class at VCU, DiCicco discovered his natural affinity for the medium of oils. Within the first few brush strokes, he found the richness and depth of color, along with the medium’s inherent flexibilities to be a welcoming surprise. His “motor oils” portray sheer accuracy in regards to the execution of photorealism. His decision on composition always causes the eye to travel around the canvas in a thoughtful and balanced manner. His current portfolio showcases his ongoing series, titled “front and center.” His second upcoming and ongoing series titled, “auto obscure” will reveal his subjects in an even more close-up manner continuing along in the style of photorealism with the added visual illusion of abstract art.