Biography
Garafola said, “Reilly taught art like a science. Reilly’s theory date back to the 19th century École des Beaux-Arts, Paris and teaches the technical aspect of what one needs to know to paint in your own style and medium without copying the work of other teachers or artists.“
Meet The Author
Ralph Garafola – The Early Years and His Life’s Passion for Art
Critically acclaimed artist, educator, and author Ralph Garafola was born on December 4, 1929, and died on April 4, 2019. Raised in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, he moved to New Jersey in 1964 with his family. Garafola became a Florida resident in February 2019.
Garafola’s love for painting started early. He began drawing at three years old. “I was always drawing something on brown paper bags with pencils. My grandfather would tell me exciting stories about the Italian Navy and being stationed on square-rigger ships. I remember drawing those ships.”
Artistic Recognition and Early Career
In elementary school, Garafola’s teachers recognized his talent for drawing and painting. He was often asked to paint pictures for the bulletin boards for everyone to see.
Garafola started his career in 1950 as a draftsman for Armor Engineering in New York City. At night, he studied drawing at The Alliance Art School in lower Manhattan. A year later, he advanced his career by working as an illustrator for Design Service in Newark, NJ, producing government training manuals for the Armed Forces. While there, he was quickly promoted to Art Director until 1953 when he was drafted into the Army.
Military Service and Further Education
The Korean War veteran served as an Army Combat Photographer. He studied and graduated from Fort Monmouth New Jersey Army Photo School. Subsequently, he transferred to the Pictorial Center in Long Island City, working as a photographer making training films for the Army. While in Korea, he worked as a draftsman doing illustrations for the Signal Corps.
Post-Army Career and Freelancing
Garafola was discharged from the Army in 1955. He returned to New York City and attended Frank Reilly’s night classes at the Art Students League of New York, studying for seven years and serving as Class Monitor for Frank J. Reilly.
From 1955 to 1960, Garafola worked as a commercial illustrator at Janal Studios in Newark. Then, he decided to work as a freelance artist. For over 65 years, he made a successful living as a commercial illustrator, photo retoucher, and fine artist.
Notable Works and Clients
As a Commercial Illustrator, Garafola painted every subject imaginable. Iconic images include the Prudential Insurance Company logo (“The Rock”) and the New Jersey License Plate “Organ Donors Save Lives.” His illustration of the Sabrett Hot Dog on a roll with mustard can still be seen on street corners and packages throughout the country.
Garafola’s clients included well-known companies: Ethicon, Blue Cross, Hoffman-La Roche, Schering Plough, and Johnson & Johnson. He became a sought-after artist, doing illustrations for Bell Tel, Public Service, Macy’s, Prudential Insurance Company, and Mutual Life Insurance Company. His quality work and attention to detail served him well; he never had to do a job twice and always delivered on time. In 1977, the Art Directors’ Club of New Jersey awarded Garafola a special Gold Medal as the Most Valued Supplier.
Later Years and Teaching
In 1992, Ralph’s daughter, Lorraine Garafola, started an agency to showcase his work. The agency expanded to represent other illustrators, photographers, and graphic designers. With Lorraine managing his interests, Garafola focused on his true love, painting. Lorraine remains his representative and is the publisher of Frank J. Reilly Art Books, authored by her father, “Frank J. Reilly – The Elements of Painting” and “Frank J. Reilly – Outdoor Painting.” Both books teach the Authentic Reilly Method and were written word-for-word from Ralph’s class notes.
Garafola’s flair for realism brings his oil and watercolor paintings to life. Eager to share his knowledge, he began teaching portrait painting at age 70. He taught fine art at Florida’s Ringling College of Art and Design Annex, Longboat Key Art Center, Art Center Manatee, and the Sarasota Art Center. He also taught painting at Art Expressions by the Bay in Sarasota for ten years.
Through his passion and dedication, Ralph Garafola left an indelible mark on the art world, inspiring future generations with his skill and story.
Works and Projects
Garafola’s portraits and still life paintings capture the personality and character of his subjects. His landscapes and seascapes are inspired by nature and capture the mood of the scenes.
Garafola said, “All my paintings are portraits. Whether my subject is a person, landscape, seascape or still life, my approach is to portray my subject in its natural environment. It puts the viewer inside the painting. My paintings realistically depict what nature has created.” All of his paintings tell a story. http://www.ralphgarafola.com
Books by Ralph Garafola
At the time of Garafola’s passing he was working on a second book, “Frank J. Reilly – Outdoor Painting” which his daughter Lorraine edited and published.
“Frank J. Reilly – Outdoor Painting” reveals how to paint the outdoors from your studio. Garafola explains how values are the key to bring seascapes alive by capturing the mood of the ocean and its movement, as well as the wind, and various weather conditions.
He also explains the techniques involved in painting landscapes that portray the time and kind of day; sunrise, sunny, overcast, fog, sunset, moonlight and the four seasons. Garafola believed that painting the natural environment puts the viewer inside the painting while realistically depicting what nature has created.
The secret is now reveled: “Frank J. Reilly – Outdoor Painting” shows how to paint the three things in nature that are nearly impossible to duplicate in paint. https://FrankReillyBooks.com
Frank J. Reilly was an American painter, illustrator, muralist, and most famously known as a teacher. Ralph Garafola studied under Reilly for seven years at the Art Students League of New York where he served as class monitor.
Garafola said, “Reilly taught art like a science. Reilly’s theory date back to the 19th century École des Beaux-Arts, Paris and teaches the technical aspect of what one needs to know to paint in your own style and medium without copying the work of other teachers or artists.”
Having learned so much from his mentor, Garafola wanted to pass the knowledge down to future generations. He has been told by a fellow Reilly student “Frank J. Reilly – The Elements of Painting” is the book Reilly would have written.
In this book, “Frank J. Reilly – The Elements of Painting” Garafola reveals Reilly’s Method of teaching figure drawing and portrait painting which includes the crucial skills of Color Theory using Hue, Value and Chroma, controlled palette, and the intricate skill of painting light and shade. Learn the elements of drawing the planes and forms of the head and figure, anatomy, 3D rendering through hard and soft edges, drapery, still life painting, and composing elements to tell a story and so much more.
“To succeed in the realm of graphic arts, like dancing and playing music, one must acquire knowledge. By practicing and applying that knowledge, one becomes skillful. It was Reilly’s logical application which was the basis for developing my craft. After 65 successful years, I have never found a reason to change the methodology he taught me. I owe him my sincere gratitude. Now, through this book, I share it with you.” Ralph Garafola.
At the time of Garafola’s passing he was working on a second book, “Frank J. Reilly – Outdoor Painting” which his daughter Lorraine edited and published.
“Frank J. Reilly – Outdoor Painting” reveals how to paint the outdoors from your studio. Garafola explains how values are the key to bring seascapes alive by capturing the mood of the ocean and its movement, as well as the wind, and various weather conditions.
He also explains the techniques involved in painting landscapes that portray the time and kind of day; sunrise, sunny, overcast, fog, sunset, moonlight and the four seasons. Garafola believed that painting the natural environment puts the viewer inside the painting while realistically depicting what nature has created.
The secret is now reveled: “Frank J. Reilly – Outdoor Painting” shows how to paint the three things in nature that are nearly impossible to duplicate in paint. https://FrankReillyBooks.com
Frank J. Reilly was an American painter, illustrator, muralist, and most famously known as a teacher. Ralph Garafola studied under Reilly for seven years at the Art Students League of New York where he served as class monitor.
Garafola said, “Reilly taught art like a science. Reilly’s theory date back to the 19th century École des Beaux-Arts, Paris and teaches the technical aspect of what one needs to know to paint in your own style and medium without copying the work of other teachers or artists.”
Having learned so much from his mentor, Garafola wanted to pass the knowledge down to future generations. He has been told by a fellow Reilly student “Frank J. Reilly – The Elements of Painting” is the book Reilly would have written.
In this book, “Frank J. Reilly – The Elements of Painting” Garafola reveals Reilly’s Method of teaching figure drawing and portrait painting which includes the crucial skills of Color Theory using Hue, Value and Chroma, controlled palette, and the intricate skill of painting light and shade. Learn the elements of drawing the planes and forms of the head and figure, anatomy, 3D rendering through hard and soft edges, drapery, still life painting, and composing elements to tell a story and so much more.
“To succeed in the realm of graphic arts, like dancing and playing music, one must acquire knowledge. By practicing and applying that knowledge, one becomes skillful. It was Reilly’s logical application which was the basis for developing my craft. After 65 successful years, I have never found a reason to change the methodology he taught me. I owe him my sincere gratitude. Now, through this book, I share it with you.” Ralph Garafola.
Painting to Honor your hero by Veteran Ralph Garafola
“The Price of Liberty & Freedom – A Commemorative Painting Honoring Your Personal Hero” was created by Ralph Garafola to honor the brave individuals in our nation that have sacrificed so much so that we can be free.
Garafola was a veteran of the Korean War and long believed our nation’s heroes should be honored with more than a photo on a mantle or bureau. He, therefore, created a unique painting where a photograph of your personal hero can be inserted into the composition – creating a beautiful, commemorative work of art that truly honors them and their sacrifice.
http://thepriceoflibertyfreedom.com
More than Painting – Designed and directed by Ralph Garafola
911 Memorial
Garafola designed and directed the building of the 911 Memorial which stands in front of the Warren Township Municipal building in New Jersey.
http://warrennj.org/about/911-monument/
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