At 89 years old, renowned Philadelphia painter Peter Paone has become a father figure to countless artists in the city. His remarkable journey began with an audacious act as a teenager 73 years ago when he broke into the prestigious Barnes Foundation. This bold move would ultimately launch what became a distinguished lifelong career in the arts, and now Paone is being celebrated with two major museum exhibitions this season.
The South Philadelphia native's unconventional introduction to fine art occurred when he was just a curious teenager with an insatiable hunger for artistic knowledge. Unable to gain legitimate access to the Barnes Foundation's world-renowned collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, young Paone took matters into his own hands. His daring break-in allowed him to study the works of masters like Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse up close, an experience that would profoundly shape his artistic vision and technique.
Speaking from his West Mount Airy studio this spring, Paone reflected on how that pivotal moment changed the trajectory of his entire life. The intimate encounter with those masterworks provided him with an education that no formal classroom could offer. He was able to observe brushstrokes, color choices, and compositional elements with an intensity and focus that would have been impossible during a typical museum visit surrounded by crowds and time constraints.
Over the decades that followed, Paone transformed from a rebellious South Philly teenager into one of Philadelphia's most respected artists and mentors. His influence on the local art community has been immeasurable, with countless younger artists crediting him as a crucial figure in their own development. His teaching philosophy and artistic approach, rooted in those early stolen moments with the masters, has helped shape generations of Philadelphia-based creators.
The two museum exhibitions currently showcasing Paone's work represent a fitting tribute to an artist whose career spans more than seven decades. These shows highlight not only his technical mastery and artistic evolution but also his significant contribution to Philadelphia's cultural landscape. Visitors can see how his early exposure to the Barnes collection influenced his own distinctive style and approach to painting.
Paone's story serves as a testament to the transformative power of art and the lengths to which true passion can drive someone. What began as an act of youthful defiance became the foundation for a career that has enriched Philadelphia's artistic community immeasurably. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists who benefit from both his artwork and his mentorship, proving that sometimes the most unconventional beginnings can lead to the most extraordinary outcomes.
