Tony De Luz

I was born and raised in Boston’s inner city; though we weren’t well off, my mom, though a single parent, gave us plenty of love and guidance. She would have become an artist if she could have. She passed her artistic ability down to her kids. I used to draw on the cardboard inserts that came in the packages with my mom’s stockings. My early appreciation for the Southwest came from my mom having a subscription to Arizona Highways magazine. I saw the beautiful landscapes and photos of Native American and Hispanic culture and was hooked. 

After high school I took my first flight out to Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, graduating in 1983. I have been involved in commercial art for 40 years, as an illustrator and graphic designer, working with advertising agencies, colleges and other businesses. I created artwork for the legendary Absolut Vodka campaign and a First-Class postage stamp for the United States Postal Service, among many other highly visible pieces. 

Though my fine art aspirations took a back seat to my career and helping raise four children, I’ve created art along the way, demonstrating my love for road culture in my art.My influences include Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, Norman Rockwell, Edward Hopper, Richard Estes and Robert Cottingham. My paintings of neon signs, old cars and motorcycles reside in many private collections.