Bio
The Story of H. Hargrove- It began with a gift of colored pencils.
One of America’s most popular living artists, H. Hargrove was born Nicolo Sturiano in Marsala, Italy, in 1941. The gift of a box of colored pencils on his tenth birthday sparked his interest in art, but the pressures of economic practicality led him to pursue a degree in wine chemistry. In 1964, the young Italian immigrated to America and soon accepted a position with a winery in upstate New York. Art, however, was never far from Nicolo’s personal agenda, and weekends would find him painting pictures of the weathered barns and covered bridges that dotted the landscapes of his newfound home. Before long, the winery’s management became aware of his talent and decided to display his art in the public tasting room. And when visitors showed more interest in his paintings than the wine, Nicolo knew that it was time to turn his passion into his profession. In love with America, Sturiano earned his citizenship; enchanted with Americana, he adopted an American pseudonym under which to paint by opening a phone book, H. Hargrove. As his reputation grew, he found himself much in demand for personal appearances (and autograph sessions) before large audiences of art lovers. Subsequently, Hargrove became the subject of numerous magazine and newspaper articles, which in turn led to interviews on radio and television programs both local and national. High-level dignitaries and celebrities now number among his following. Having begun his career by painting Americana, Hargrove has expanded his repertoire to include delicately-detailed still lifes, spectacular European landscapes, and privately-commissioned portraits. His work is collected across America and in Europe, and his collector base is constantly expanding. Renowned as a compelling visual storyteller, a veritable poet with a paintbrush, H. Hargrove epitomizes the quintessential story of the immigrant who achieves success by following—and ultimately living—his American dream.
About H. Hargrove
H. Hargrove's accomplishments are many. Over one million of H. Hargrove's images are displayed in homes throughout the world. He today ranks as one of the country's most-collected and renowned living artists. He has painted over 100 limited editions, and most have completely sold out!
In 1996, H. Hargrove was honored to create a commemorative painting for the centennial Olympic Games. "From Athens to Atlanta" is one of the artists most celebrated works. H. Hargrove was again honored to create a work celebrating the Women's World Cup Soccer tournament. "The World Is Watching" captured the spirit of this most historic event.
H. Hargrove has been featured on television including on the NBC Today Show, ABC Television, FOX Television and local network and public television. as well as radio and in magazines throughout the world. Other highlights included a retrospective showing of his work at the historic Cincinnati Art Club where the artist and his celebrated guest, hall-of-fame basketball player Oscar Robertson raised thousands of dollars for inner city children.
The Children's Miracle Network benefited from a charitable appearance by H. Hargrove in New Orleans. H. Hargrove and Norm Abrams from "This Old House" raised thousands of dollars for children's hospitals.
The artist was asked to come to a special event at the state capital in New Jersey. H. Hargrove presented then Governor Christine Todd Whitman with a limited edition of the "World is Watching" to help celebrate the "kickoff" of the Women's World Cup Soccer Tournament. Additionally, H. Hargrove was honored by an invitation to our Nation's Capital by the United States Marines Corps in a special showing of his work at the Pentagon.
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"First Snow" was Hargrove's very first limited edition and an instant classic. For those fortunate enough to have it in their collection, it is certainly a piece to be treasured. "First Snow" was released in 1982.
Hargrove painted an original oil painting live in front of hundreds of people and donated the proceeds to The Miracle Network.
A retrospective showing of his work at the historic Cincinnati Art Club where the artist and his celebrated guest, hall-of-fame basketball player Oscar Robertson raised thousands of dollars for inner city children.
"First Snow" was Hargrove's very first limited edition and an instant classic. For those fortunate enough to have it in their collection, it is certainly a piece to be treasured. "First Snow" was released in 1982.
Hargrove's moving tribute to his father on his father's 90th birthday. It is through his intense passion for still life that we get to see the artist reach a new height in his career. "With a Song in My Heart" was released in 1997.
"First Snow" was Hargrove's very first limited edition and an instant classic. For those fortunate enough to have it in their collection, it is certainly a piece to be treasured. "First Snow" was released in 1982.
H. Hargrove again honored to create a work celebrating the Women's World Cup Soccer tournament. "The World Is Watching" captured the spirit of this most historic event.
"Freedom" depicts a stormy sky, symbolizing the difficult times we are living through. A breaking ray of sunlight washes over the village church in a divine light. A teddy bear in the attic toy chest represents the warm safe haven of our home. A stream of light through the attic's eyebrow window casts a glow on our most precious symbols of freedom, "God, Country and Liberty".
Reaching Out - A metaphor for our hearts, a repository of all we hold dear. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Hargrove became passionate about what we as Americans hold dear to us-our values, our freedom, and our families. One element of "Freedom" has a special appeal for Hargrove: Lady Liberty, one of the first sights he saw upon his arrival in America nearly 30 years ago.
Hargrove's ability as an illustrator and storyteller shines through in this detailed Limited Edition Serigraph on canvas. "Dear Old School Days" was released in 1987
"During the ancient times in Italy, it was the custom to spill some wine before dinner. This was an offering to the Roman gods: they served the gods before serving themselves. Of course, this made the gods very happy, and they tended to bless the family, so spilling wine before a meal came to be known as a good luck charm as well as a symbol of sharing. You'll note the wine in Hargrove's painting is from his hometown in Marsala, Italy.
"The Test of Time" was released in 1997, and is very reminiscent of Hargrove's early works. This simple black and white pencil sketch is rich in details and full of character. It elegantly displays the 'test of time.'
The popular "Morning at Grandma's" once again shows Hargrove's passion for painting still life. You can almost smell the aroma of the fresh ground coffee. "Morning at Grandma's" was released in 1998.