Cebuano Artists Painting Collection- Antonio Vidal
Vintage Piece 2, Oil on Canvas 2005 |
Antonio Vidal's artistic journey began at an early age. He has shown and discovered his penchant for art even before entering his elementary education. Born and raised in Puerto Princesa, Cebu, he used to go to his mother to church and got fascinated with the Cherubim, decorating the house of God. His exposure to religious processions, especially during fiesta celebration, has added up to his intention to draw angels and other spiritually-enriching images. As he continually joins his mother attending church activities, his strong interest in ecclesiastical arts gradually manifested.
With much encouragement and support from his father, Tony decided to enroll in an art workshop in Gallery 90 in Cebu. With positive guidance and motivation from his mentors, he learned the basic of doing portraiture in black and white providing comfort and ease in this medium. This led him enrolling at the UP Cebu Fine Arts in 1975.
Tony's boundless efforts to paint subjects with religious connotation has magnified his creative relevance in the City of Cebu. He received the the Blessed Pedro Calungsod: Sugbuanong Laiko Award given by Cebu's Archbishop Cardinal Ricardo J. Vidal. He won Second Prize in the Martino Abellana On-The-Spot Painting Contest. He was also chosen as one of the finalists in the International Eucharistic Congress Art Competition.
As an artist, Tony is calm, generous and cooperative. He offers great value to practice respect to one's individuality and uniqueness. And as he is constant with his desire to grow artistically, he makes it a point to discuss art with friends and peers, seeking deeper understanding and assessing the kind of artistic direction that contribute to solidify his creative aspirations.