Bio

I was born Julio Orestes Blanco in La Habana, Cuba 1956. I live and work on DiLido island in Miami Beach, Florida. As a semi-retired Advertising Creative Director and a co-founder of a prestigious and pioneering ad agency in the 80's, I have received numerous industry accolades on behalf of my blue chip clients as well as international awards for my concept, copy, art direction and graphic design. I am a self taught fine artist but have been under the tutelage of many notable fines artists since my early teens. I have been drawing, painting and illustrating my entire life and showing professionally since 1994. My work is in the private collections of large corporations and notable luminaries and celebrities.

The crossover from graphic designer to fine artist has been a process that has taken many years and continues to this day. Early on I became interested in combining form and concept to create the perfect balance between art and idea to captivate an audience and from an advertising perspective, motivate. Both graphic design and fine art have run parallel throughout my long career as an artist, designer and painter. I continue to use graphic design principles in my fine art as they often add to the strength of my work.


Shows and Awards

I started showing my work in the Mid 90's in one man and group shows at various galleries including Raleigh Gallery in Boca Raton, Sher Galleries in Hollywood and Ft. Lauderdale, Steiner Gallery in Bal Harbour to Portfolio galleries in Coral Gables.

I have painted and donated my art and performances to benefit the McClemore center for abused children, The Step by Step foundation for Haitian Education, The Deed Club and most recently The Daily Food Bank .

My work is collected by large corporations such as Dade County Federal Credit Union, MGSCOMM advertising, and most recently Oceania Cruises for their new ship "Mariner" Fashion Icons, such as Donald Pliner, Celebrities such as Lenny Kravitz as well as many personal collections. Since 1995 I have been self represented through OneManSho - A creative arts boutique by Cynthia Duncan and Janet Carabelli for advertising and branding through www.idealogycreative.com