We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rick Dallago. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rick below.
Rick, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic really comes from my years in the film business, where I discovered that creating something amazing is all about those tiny steps you take every day. Sometimes it can take years to see a project come to life, and that slow build is something I’ve grown to appreciate. Each day of hard work adds up, whether I’m crafting a movie or putting brush to canvas. I’ve learned that the real fun is in the journey—the sweat, the self-doubt, and all those moments of pushing through. It’s all part of the creative process, and it’s what makes the end result so rewarding.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Rick Dallago, a painter, film producer, and arts instructor/consultant. I was raised in NYC, spent 30 years in LA, and made the move to Colorado in 2019, where I decided to focus on my art career. The vibrant arts community and stunning landscapes of Colorado inspired me to dive deeper into my creative pursuits. I even started an afterschool art program to share my passion with young artists and encourage their creative expression.My paintings are often satirical and humorous, and I like to think of myself as a “snarky Norman Rockwell.” In my work, I explore the tension between reality and satire, using photorealistic oil pastel techniques to shine a light on the absurdities of contemporary society. Through vivid, hyper-detailed imagery, I magnify the contradictions and excesses that define our modern world, focusing on themes like consumerism, identity, and environmental degradation. By blending the tactile richness of oil pastels with sharp social commentary, I aim to provoke reflection on the often-overlooked nuances of our collective existence, encouraging viewers to confront the truths hidden beneath the surface of daily life.As a producer, I’ve been involved in films like Blue Crush, Crazy/Beautiful, Into the Blue, Cheaters, Turistas, and Things Behind the Sun, which was nominated for five Emmys and won both a Peabody Award and an Edgar Allan Poe Award. Before stepping into producing, I worked in various production roles on films such as Father of the Bride 1 & 2, The Doors, City Slickers 2, Baby Boom, The Pickup Artist, Ishtar, and more.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I’ve learned to trust my instincts and not second-guess myself in my creative process. When an idea for a painting strikes me, I run with it without hesitation. I’ve realized that if I start second-guessing or doubting my vision, it can stifle my creativity and prevent me from producing anything meaningful. After all, if I didn’t embrace those spontaneous ideas, I’d never write a book, compose a song, or create a painting. It’s all about allowing my intuition to guide me and having the confidence to follow where it leads. This mindset has not only enriched my artistic practice but has also made the journey of creation much more rewarding.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
’m incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my parents when it comes to pursuing my dreams. They never pressured me to choose a stable and secure path; instead, my dad, who wasn’t entirely happy in his career, encouraged me and my siblings to go for it and chase what truly inspires us. Having that kind of encouragement made a world of difference. I feel fortunate to have discovered my calling and to have followed it wholeheartedly. It’s a journey I’m still on, and I cherish every moment of it
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rickdallago.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickdallago/
Image Credits
Rick Dallago
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