Artist Joey Accardo

Today the Venice Paparazzi spotlight shines on artist Joey Accardo.

Joey is a incredibly talented artist that Venice Paparazzi became aware of while holding team meetings at Tony P’s Dockside Grill in Marina del Rey, where Joey works as a manager.

How many years in Venice?

I have been in and around Venice for 13 years. I am originally from Northern California and moved to LA 13 years ago. I have lived and currently work in Marina Del Rey and my wife’s family grew up in the Venice area.

Tell us about your art/medium:

I consider myself a sports artist, I have drawn different things from Disney characters to iconic entertainers such as Elvis Presley. But my true passion is sports related art. Up to now I have used prisma colored pencils on all of my pieces, but I am looking forward to incorporating new mediums to my art work. I have always wanted to learn how to airbrush.

How many years, and how did you get into it?

I have been drawing since the age of seven, my father was a pretty good artist and he would draw pictures for us. I would have to say that he is a big reason why I started to draw. I was always a very big sports fan so by the age of ten I started to draw pictures using my baseball and football cards as a reference. I continued to do sports art throughout high school. I stopped drawing for a while and a few years ago my wife told my daughter that I used to draw. She asked that I draw her a picture of her favorite Disney character, which I did as my father used to do for me. Since then I have continued to draw and grow as an artist.

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently, I am working on an 18 x 24 Marshawn Lynch piece, This is the largest piece I have attempted to draw and it has also taken me the longest to complete. Being from Northern California I am a Raiders fan and this piece means a lot to me. I have a put a lot of time and energy in to it and look forward to seeing the end result.

Where do you find inspiration/favorite artists?

My main inspiration is my family. Aside from enjoying the the ups and downs while working on a piece, they are the reason that I stay up late into the night working in hopes to be able to one day be a full-time artist.When I try to recreate a moment in sports I always try to capture the essence of the athlete. Growing up I always admired the featured artists in the baseball and football trading card magazines. As for today there are so many insanely talented artist on Instagram. I always enjoy work by Varian Ford Jr., J.T. Watson, Robert McFetridge, and Scott Dorsey just to name a few.

What accomplishments, projects, or pieces that you are most proud of?

First off I am very proud to be doing this piece for VP! I am honestly proud of all of my artwork because of the time and effort I have dedicated to each one. If I had to pick one over the rest it would have to be a piece I did as a gift for a family member. It was a picture of his late father back when he played High school football. Given the importance of the piece I tried to capture every detail that I could to recreate a memorable moment. Based on his reaction and emotion when he received the drawing I thankfully feel that I achieved that.

Past art projects? Any pieces shown in Venice?

Unfortunately I have not shown any of my work in Venice as of yet but look forward to doing so. I’ve had a blast working on past projects which include athletes such as Kobe Bryant, Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen, Tony Gwynn, Eric Davis, David Ortiz, Derrick Thomas, Khalil Mack, and Derek Carr.

What advice would you give someone starting out in your field?

Enjoy the process, if you are struggling with a piece take time away from it, don’t be discouraged if not everyone enjoys your work, it is art and everyone views it differently. Most importantly be proud of everything you do because it is a part of you.

Favorite affirmation, mantra, or quote:

“If you want to see a rainbow you have to put up with a little rain.”

Favorite book, band or movie?

My favorite movie is Rocky. As far as bands go I have enjoyed a variety of bands over the years, but my favorite entertainer is Elvis Presley.

Photo by Katrina Reynoso Accardo

What causes do you support?

I support any cause that looks over the well being of children. As a father of two little girls I support any and all organizations geared toward keeping our children safe and healthy.

What’s one thing we can do to make the world a better place?

By treating others the way you would want to be treated.

List 1-2 things on your bucket list.

I would like to meet one of the athletes I have drawn and gift them with my drawing of them. I would also like to one day be a licensed artist for the NFL. My Venice bucket list is to one day set up shop in Venice and enjoy the people while hopefully they enjoy my work

Anything else you want to share about yourself to the world?

I am a huge wrestling geek!

VENICE QUESTIONS:

Describe Venice:

I would have to describe Venice as being laid back and cool. Growing up in a small town hearing stories about the history and culture of Southern California. Just visit the Venice area and it will check all of the boxes.

List any of your favorite Venice activities?

Our favorite activity has always been taking our kids to the beach. Also spending a lot of time with family at my wife’s late grandmothers house just blocks away.

What is your craziest or fondest Venice experience?

I would have to say my fondest Venice experience would be putting our oldest daughter Ava’s feet in the ocean for the first time. My craziest would probably be many years earlier when I got onstage in front of hundreds of people during the WWE Summer Fest and won a contest by impersonating The Rock!

Fun VP Fact: Venice Paparazzi was on the scene at the 2008 WWE Summer Fest in Venice, Ca.

Photo by VenicePaparazzi.com. @VeniceBeachFun

Anything else about Venice that you would like to say?

I honestly always enjoy myself whenever I am in Venice. Whether its hanging on the boardwalk, going to the beach or grabbing a bite to eat.

Who should Venice Paparazzi cast the spotlight on next?

I wouldn’t know where to start. That area is overflowing with so many talented people! I will say that I am very grateful for VP casting the spotlight on me. Thanks again!!