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NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ -
Houston, TX, United States, 2010/07/02 - Famed Houston restaurateur Tony Vallone has commissioned fine artist John Ross Palmer for a massive mural project at his Galleria Italian eatery, Ciao Bello.
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In June of 2010, famed Houston restaurateur Tony Vallone commissioned artist John Ross Palmer for a massive mural project at his chic Galleria Italian eatery, Ciao Bello. While Palmer is known historically for his abstract pieces, this massive impressionistic piece is already receiving rave reviews. With scores of positive comments online, Palmer is now confident that going outside his artistic comfort zone on this mammoth mural was the right decision. "At first I was a little nervous," the normally cool-calm-and-collected John Palmer says. "Mr. Vallone wanted this to be just right. He wanted the people in the scene to be generic and 'face-less.' It was a daunting project for me--but one that I am now extremely pleased that I took on."
Palmer began the project in early June, choosing to arrive at the restaurant each morning at approximately 3:00 am. The artist did not want to begin his large creation with eyes gazing on from the throngs of customers that love dining in Vallone's gorgeous, enclosed patio space. Plus, Palmer is often disturbed when trying to paint in extremely bright light--so burning-the-midnight-oil on this project was best approach towards a successful finished product. Prior to his execution on the mural, John Palmer met with Mr. Vallone numerous times, each time presenting him with a modified study of the mural--until it was just right. The artist worked back-breaking hours for a solid week, right up until he had to leave for Berlin, Germany for his annual study-abroad adventure. He was pleased that approximately 90% of the mural was complete before he went overseas. Upon his return from Europe, he dove back in--spending numerous hours at Ciao Bello to work on the mural's detailing and finishing touches. For this portion, once most of the body of the piece had been completed, both Palmer and Vallone have enjoyed his creating during the working hours of the restaurant. Customers marvel as Palmer paints, snapping photos with their I-phones and chatting with him about his choices of color.
This is not the first union of artist John Ross Palmer with the iconic Tony Vallone. Palmer has a number of pieces hanging at Vallone's flagship restaurant Tony's, and, at Ciao Bello his work is truly highlighted with a major abstract installation in the main dining area, Italian-inspired canvases above the transparent wall to the kitchen and numerous caricatures in the casual, bar area. In addition, Palmer designed the chic menus for both restaurants. In the future, you just may see more Palmer pieces in Vallone establishments as Palmer has been in a number of talks with Vallone about the possibility of including his art in his latest Montrose acquisition, Caffe Bello.
If you would like more information about Houston artist John Ross Palmer (JohnPalmerArt.com), his 1218 Heights Boulevard Gallery & Studio or any of his upcoming projects, please contact gallery manager Ryan Lindsay. Ciao Bello is located at 5161 San Felipe, Houston, Texas 77056. Make your reservation today by calling 713-960-0333.
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Ryan[.]JohnPalmerArt.com 
