Meet David Accurso, a local artist in Kansas City quickly gaining a name for himself for his precise and detailed stippling creations.
Stippling is a technique in which the artist strategically places thousands of dots that blend with one another to create a desired image, much like pointillism, a style made famous by George Seurat and Paul Signac in the late nineteenth century.
The difference between stippling and pointillism is the medium used. Stippling is created with ink while pointillism is created with paint.
David, how did you become interested in being a visual artist?
David Accurso—For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in art and drawing in particular. However, it was not until my freshman year at the University of Kansas that I decided I wanted to pursue a career as a visual artist.
What creative mediums do you prefer?
David Accurso—I enjoy working with pencil, colored pencil, and pen and ink. Of these three mediums, I prefer pen and ink.
What are some of your greatest successes?
David Accurso—Although I have been working professionally for just a couple of years, I have been fortunate enough to find success as an artist. I am most proud of:
- Displaying my artwork in Grant Park, Chicago, IL at the Gold Coast Art Fair this past
June. - My commissioned portrait of Steve Palermo, the renowned Major League Baseball
umpire who passed away last year. The portrait was created as a tribute to the
widely known and respected umpire, and it was commissioned as a gift for
Palermo’s wife. A reproduction of the piece currently resides at Kauffman Stadium in
the office of Dayton Moore, the general manager of the Kansas City Royals. - Being commissioned to draw my fraternity house (Sigma Phi Epsilon) at the
University of Kansas, along with being commissioned to paint a famous quote by
James Naismith, founder of KU SigEp, in the entry way of our chapter house.
What do you find challenging with being an artist?
David Accurso—As an artist, I find that gaining exposure and attracting attention to my work can be very challenging. The world is full of great artists, so distinguishing myself amongst others and creating unique artwork is a continual challenge that I embrace.
What is your creative process like? Do you create when you can or do you have rituals?
David Accurso—Whether I am away at college or at home during the summer, I create whenever I get the chance. I work in a style of art called stippling, a technique in which I use a fine point pen to place thousands of tiny dots to create a desired image. This is a very time-consuming process (some of my projects have taken up to one hundred hours), so naturally I get the bulk of my creative work done while I am away from school and can dedicate myself to my artwork full-time.
What goals do you have for yourself? Where would you like to be in five years?
David Accurso—My primary goal is to be a full-time professional artist. I am studying business at the University of Kansas, so being an artist is only a part-time job for me at the moment. In five years I would like to be a well-known artist in the Kansas City area and to be able to support myself as a full-time artist.
What advice would you give to new artists just starting out?
David Accurso—My advice to every new artist is to create as much great artwork as you can and to put yourself out there at any opportunity you find. Gaining exposure is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your career. My last piece of advice, which could be advice to people in general, is to never give up on your passion!
Where can we find you and your art?
David Accurso—You can find all of my artwork, along with more information about me, on my website davidaccurso.com. I also have an Etsy shop (ArtbyAccurso) where all of my art is available for purchase. You can find me on Instagram and Facebook as well.
Instagram: @DavidAccurso
Facebook: @ArtistDavidAccurso