Tony Bennett (1926-2023)
New York City Traffic
11 x 12 ¼ inches
Scratchboard India Ink on Board
Signed “Benedetto” lower right

BIO
Tony Bennett is known as a vocal musician, but he is also known as Anthony Dominick Benedetto, an American visual artist. Benedetto was born August 3, 1926. He is the son of Italian immigrants from the Astoria section of Queens, New York. At the age of five Anthony was drawing pictures. He attended public schools and The High School of Industrial Arts in Manhattan where he studied art and music. Art was his first passion. In the 19th century artists like Vincent van Gogh searched for an expressive balance in art and music, but Benedetto/Bennett makes an impressive balance in both forms of artistry. The family name Benedetto means, “Blessed one”, and Benedetto is how his art is signed. His paintings are impressions of the beauty throughout the world from his many music tours and travels. The development of Benedetto, the painter and the visual artist begins with James McWhinney, a junior high art teacher, who discovered Benedetto at 14 drawing Thanksgiving images with colored chalk in an Astoria gutter. Mr. McWhinney, told Benedetto,”I like what you are doing”. McWhinney invited him to go painting on the weekend. This unforgettable event of the art teacher’s beautiful watercolors created a lifelong impression, mentor and friend. Mr. and Mrs. McWhinney introduced him to the world of fine arts. Throughout Benedetto’s life, daily drawing, painting and art are his passion. In 1962 a friend, Johnny Brascia challenged him to quit dabbling in the art. Benedetto became committed to his painting by concentrating on discipline and development. He searched for other artists who could teach him a higher standard. He technically viewed art in museums filming with cameras to aid in his study and development of style. He continued art studies in private studios with instructors throughout the years. Anthony Benedetto/Tony Bennett is a dedicated artist painting everyday, regardless of his touring or recording schedule. When traveling he paints in watercolor and at home he paints in oils. The Art Spirit by Robert Henri is his favorite book about the artist and the creative process. In 1996 the first catalogue of Benedetto’s artwork was published titled Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen. Benedetto’s art exhibits internationally. He was the official artist in 2001 for the Kentucky Derby, and created two paintings celebrating the Derby. The United Nations commissioned two paintings, one of which was on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary. His original works are displayed at Butler Institute of American Art. Homage to Hockney is at the National Art Club of New York; as is Boy on Sailboat, Sydney Bay. The American Cancer Society’s Christmas annual greeting card is a Benedetto original with the proceeds from the card benefiting cancer research. In October of 2004 at Union Square in San Francisco, a 5-foot heart shaped sculpture was unveiled with the image of the Golden Gate Bridge painted by Benedetto. He is a self-proclaimed lover of art museums and galleries. He communicates with the world through his art, influenced by his travels, study of the masters and art history. His art and art career have been featured and reviewed in numerous art publications internationally. Tony Bennett is one of the longest-performing artists in the music industry, having won 20 Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award over the course of an extraordinary 70-year career. He retired from performing at Radio City Music Hall in August 2021. Bennett produced paintings and drawings throughout his career, with recurring images being the cityscape and skyline of his hometown New York City.

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