Luke Sassani, Artist: 2012

Artist Bio

Luke Sassani, a 1988 graduate of Millersburg High School in Pennsylvania, spent 6 years working in construction and factories until 1994 when he enrolled in Mansfield University’s art education program. He graduated in 1998 with a B.S.E and the Outstanding Senior Award in Art. Luke began teaching elementary art in Cecil County, Maryland. During this time, drawing and oil painting in the traditional plein air style became his focus while studying Pennsylvania artists such as William DeBernardi and Ron Donoughe.

In 2004, Luke and his wife Rachel moved back to Pennsylvania, outside of Pittsburgh. Rachel continued her teaching career in a new school district, while Luke became a stay at home dad. In 2007, Luke became inspired by chainsaw carvings of artist Jeff Pinney and other carvers. As a result, the path of his art career has changed forever. “I enjoy the similarities between the many mediums and forms of art but none compare to the speed in which chainsaw carvers produce and the speed in which they react to what is happening in front of them.”

Luke is now pursuing carving and painting full time and looking forward to discovering where art can take him. If you have any questions or are interested in commissioning a piece of his art, Luke can be reached by e-mail at lukesassani@aol.com or by phone at 724-335-3191. Thanks!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

December

I injured my foot 2 months ago and haven't been able to carve, but I'm keeping busy drawing and painting. Here are a couple paintings I did this month. Hopefully I'll be able to carve again soon.

16x20 oil on canvas

8x10 acrylic, study from Rockwell

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Greensburg Salem High School 1944

Greensburg Salem High School’s “Friends of Art” collection recently received a gift from the Greensburg High School class of 1944. An oil painting of the old Greensburg High School (our current middle school) was painted by local artist, Luke Sassani.

The class of 1944’s senior class president, Jim Campbell presented the gift to Mrs. Kelley Audia, art teacher and Mr. David Zilli, GSHS principal. The class dedicated the painting “in memory of the men and women who served our country.”

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Pine Creek Painting 10/27/12

11x14 oil on panel plein air; Waiting For Sandy.
Pine Creek in Blackwell, Pa
One of many painting trips.

8x10 oil on panel plein air painting; Blackwell, Pa, Looking
up the canyon from under the car bridge to keep the drizzle off my palette.
An eagle landed behind me and watched me for over a half hour. That doesn't
happen in your painting studio.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Mid Atlantic Chainsaw Carving Competition, Forksville, Pa

4th Place

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Hunter; chainsaw only

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Results

Painting: 3rd place; People's Choice
Ice: 2nd place
Cardboard: 3rd place

Awesome Experience, I met a lot of great people. I think the highlight was the ice carving with Jeff and Rick.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Chautauqua Art Challenge Display

Friday, September 28, 2012

Lake Chautauqua Day 5 Wood

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Lake Chautauqua Day 4 Ice

This was a team effort with myself, Jeff Pinney and Rick Pratt

Lake Chautauqua Day 3 Cardboard

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Lake Chautauqua Day 2 Clay

Monday, September 24, 2012

Lake Chautauqua Day 1 Painting

Monday, September 17, 2012

Practice for Lake Chautauqua Competition

I'm trying to figure out what to paint at the Chautauqua art competition. I have 6 hours to paint an 8 foot by 4 foot mural. This still life took about 6 hours but it is only 4 by 2 feet. I'll have a better chance if I block it in with acrylic working the painting as a whole then oiling out and finishing with oil paints. I might have to change the painting behind the figurine to a simpler monochromatic somthing or other.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Blackwell, Pa

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Friday, September 7, 2012

VFW Eagle

I carved and donated this eagle to VFW Post 92 in Lower Burrell.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Video Clip Fox Carving & Painting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6KPsjKoZcQ&feature=plcp

Thanks Eric for filming & editing. Check out his other videos on youtube at yellowlabwoodworks.