Within the vibrant walls of O’Gorman High School, a rich tapestry of talents is on display, from the fields of sports and music to the realm of art. The upstairs display case is a testament to the diverse and beautiful talent at O’Gorman, showcasing art from a multitude of artists and art classes. Among those highlighted in the display case upstairs is O’Gorman’s drawing and painting teacher, Mr. Al Costanzo.
Costanzo is originally from Sioux Falls and describes art as always being important in his life. Many of the projects he has his students do in his drawing and painting classes are ones he himself did in high school. Costanzo describes art as, “ a combination of lots of different skills that we use simultaneously without even thinking about it.”
Costanzo attended college at South Dakota State University, majoring in studio art. He attributes his choice in major to his desire to “learn about how to make art and what to make [his] art about.” He strongly believes that the best way to learn is through teaching.
Costanzo’s artistic journey later moved him to New York City, where he joined the Grand Central Atelier, an art school where he focused on drawing and painting in a realistic style from observation like the great artists from centuries ago did. His time at the Atelier influenced his art style and approach, helping him deepen and further his career.
Costanzo’s artistic inspiration is deeply rooted in the works of the great artistic masters Rembrandt, Velazquez, Anthony Van Dyke, and Peter Paul Rubens. His focus on oil paintings, specifically portraits, still lives, and landscapes is a testament to skill and dedication to traditional art forms. He has also delved into the early church art form of Byzantine Iconography, which is a sacred artform dating back to the beginning of the Catholic Church.
The display case upstairs at O’Gorman High School features two portraits and an Icon by Costanzo.
This portrait is titled “Wendy”. It was drawn with graphite. The woman in the portrait is named Wendy, and she is a ballet dancer and portrait model. Costanzo drew Wendy from real life, spending four hours on this amazing piece.
The next portrait is titled “Bruce.” Like Wendy, Bruce is a portrait model who Costanzo spent 20 hours over five weeks painting from real life. Like “Wendy,” “Bruce” started as a drawing, but was transferred to canvas and painted using oil paints.
The Icon is titled “Theotokos” or “Mother of God”. Costanzo painted this beautiful religious piece using traditional materials and processes, using egg tempera (using real egg yoke and natural mineral pigments) on a wooden panel covered with gesso made from chalk and rabbit skin glue.
