Chris Cammarata was the kid who was always drawing. His school books and papers were covered in doodles and sketches. He used to turn in school reports in the form of comic strips. For those who knew him then, it comes as no surprise that the Napa resident is now a professional artist.
Throughout his life, he dabbled in designing logos, t-shirts, marketing items, and the occasional portrait commission. But it wasn’t until he met his wife eight years ago that he wholly dove in, making art his full-time vocation. “She saw my drawings and encouraged me to paint,” said Cammarata. “It was not a medium I had worked with, and I was reluctant. Her enthusiastic response to my first effort—a 4ftx4ft Marilyn Monroe portrait—made me realize I should switch from graphic, pen & ink style art to fine art. A year after that, I received a commission to paint two portraits of Princess Grace for the Palace of Monaco, and that was the icing on the cake.”
The public response to his art was well received, and he hasn’t stopped painting since. He calls his bold, contemporary, figurative imagery “stylized realism.” Working primarily with acrylics, he gravitates to the human form and face portraiture, with a graphic style that is utterly unique and valued by his clients. Recently, he has been painting couples, something he enjoys. He gathers information about the duo to assess personalities (music, interests, hobbies, favorite travel destinations and colors) and incorporates his findings into the portrait. “I am always told, “Just do your thing” when a portrait is commissioned,” said Cammarata. “It’s wonderful to have clients comfortable with my work. That freedom to create is fantastic.”
Cammarata’s work can be found throughout the Napa Valley in wineries, wine-tasting rooms, hotels, and boutiques. His art is also prevalent in private collections globally and within international clubs and galleries. He participates annually in the Yountville Art, Sip & Stroll, for which he has produced this year’s banner art—a wine glass receiving a colorful pour. The event has become a staple for him; his fans return year after year to see his latest and to purchase additional works.
When not painting, Cammarata spends his time sailing the world with his wife. They’ve navigated the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Bay. They also enjoy exploring wine country and its many dining establishments. Having visited Napa frequently during his youth, he moved to the region seven years ago and is constantly inspired by its beauty and abundance. “Napa has always had a place in my heart,” said Cammarata. “The small-town feeling is great. The scenery is unmatched. And, of course, the wine, food, and music can’t be beat.”
