Joseph Kardonne (1911-1985). James Dean, 1950. Charcoal on textured paper, sheet measures an irregular 11.25 x 18 inches. It has been folded in half a bears a crease along central line. Signed, dated and titled lower left.

Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1911, Joe Kardonne first showed an interest in art at an early age. At 15 years old he turned professional by painting murals for a large department store in his hometown. He formed his own business and found success in the commercial art field with the Kardonne Advertising Agency. In the 1930's he branched out into photography. His photographs, even today, could be considered cutting edge. He soon discovered that his true passion was painting and decided to devote his life to the fine arts. He joined the Art Student's League in New York City where he painted along side such art-world legends as Thomas Hart Benton and Jackson Pollack, among others. Joe traveled the globe painting the exotic locations he visited and his work can be seen in many public and private collections all around the world. In 1986 Joe retired to Ocean City New Jersey and set up a studio at 500 Bay Ave. He painted day and night always evolving and changing styles and points of view like the true master he was. He worked proficiently in all mediums and developed his very own "isms" that included Subtractionism, Explodism and Googleism. Joe found a local "family" at the Ocean City Fine Arts League where his inspiration was welcomed and his impact is still felt today. When Joe died on March 3rd, 2005, two still wet paintings were left propped against the wobbly wooden legs of a desk in his studio. Joe was a philosopher and an accomplished musician as well as a brilliant artist whose body of work is phenomenal. The importance of his contributions will become even more apparent in the years ahead as his influence continues to impact the world of art.