Stephen Verona is that rare artist. Born in Illinois and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and traveled about the world, his art and films reflect his astute observations.

Some critics have said he is between Hockney and Hopper. His paintings with light, color and faces are unique and original. He has been painting since he was two, when he put his fingers in shoe polish and rubbed it on the wall.

While still in art school Stephen VERONA had one of his photographs selected by Edward Steichen for the Museum of Modern Art in New York. After graduating he eventually became co-creative director of Ogilvy & Mather advertising where he worked closely as Art Director and Producer with copywriter and Chairman David Ogilvy.

Having met John Lennon on location in England while directing a TV commercial for Ford, Verona created what are now called Music Videos. People Magazine said that he was the grandfather of Music Video. He directed the first two for the Beatles. Then followed them up with videos for Barbra Streisand, Chicago, Simon & Garfunkle, Johnny Cash, Leonard Bernstein, Liza Minelli, Mick Fleetwood, Natalie Cole, Boy George, Santana and a hundred other world renown recording artists.

He was the famed acting teacher and actor Lee Strasberg’s protégé at the Actor’s Studio director’s unit. By the time he was 27 he was nominated for an Academy Award for his live action short film “The Rehearsal” which he created, produced & directed.

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