Artwork by Fred J. Sklenar
I have been involved with fine art and illustration for more than five decades. I received my formal art education at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. My family served as a model for my career path. My father taught art and was an artist/painter. My grandmother, my daughter and my son are also art driven.
I started my career in the art world as a paste-up board artist for a newspaper syndicate. It was most difficult finding a position since all employers were seeking experience and I was fresh out of school.
Meanwhile, I painted my way through the maze of unemployment and drove a truck on weekends to pay the rent. I was pushing hard when a fellow student asked if I was looking for a job. I immediately replied affirmative and began work in the Look Magazine bull pen. It gave me great experience and the opportunity to meet the great and near-greats of the publishing world. From there it was full speed ahead, designing, illustrating and painting commissions and teaching art at my father’s studio. All of this background set a course for me. After art directing at several publishers; eighteen years at McGraw-Hill; traditional art (Old Masters) still had its grip on me. It is one of my strongest desires.
My traditional style seems to be out of style to most important galleries. I want to improve my work and make it more attractive to these impressive showplaces of art. I have set this goal with the hope of achieving it before it’s time for me to hang up my palette for good. –Thank you.
fredsklenar.com
Eileen says
Very well done! How can I get in touch with the artist?