Rocco Pisto has been painting for over 35 years, working mainly in abstract watercolor media.  With a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Eastern Michigan University, as well as some Masters work along the way,  a passion for the process of painting has always been a part of Rocco’s life.  Such abstract expressionist icons as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning have inspired Rocco;  but his greatest influence was his long time mentor and confidante Kingsley Calkins.  King was the head of the art department at Eastern Michigan University from 1960-1979, and his lyrical and whimsical work had a strong effect on Rocco.

With the intellectual side of the brain making sure that the painting has a balance of color, tone, depth, and tension, the artistic side of the brain has the freedom to let the watercolor media work its magic.  The paintbrush becomes a musical instrument, dancing across the paper in Rocco’s hand.