Interview with Vincent Giaranno

Vincent Giarrano (born November 17, 1960), also known as Vince Giarrano, is an American contemporary realist painter and former comic book artist.

He took an early interest in drawing and by the time he was 12, decided to pursue a career as an artist. He went on to complete his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University at Buffalo in 1982 and a Master of Fine Arts from Syracuse University in 1985. Subsequently, he worked as an illustrator for Marvel Comics and DC Comics, among others. Giarrano credits his years of experience drawing comic books with developing a sense of the narrative structure.

Music On Walls had the chance to discuss with Vincent Giarrano about his recent works inspired by music and the place that music has in his creation process.

MOW : Why is music important to you and your art? 

Vincent Giaranno : Music has always been a huge source of inspiration for me. It gets me excited and energized to take on the challenges of painting. Often, after I finish a piece, I can look at it and immediately remember what music I was listening to while I worked.

Music also helps me connect deeply with mood and atmosphere. I’ll play songs like “Ghost Town” by The Specials or “That’s Entertainment” by The Jam, and they really shape how I’m feeling as I paint.

MOW : Which of your artwork is your favorite from the ones presented today?

Vincent Giaranno : I have many favorites, but for this I’d choose my painting of the musical artist Yeule playing her guitar. I love the energy, mood, and intensity of the scene. I’m especially happy with how expressive and painterly it is.

I can really feel the music she’s creating in that moment, and I like that the painting captures something sincere and personal from her life.

MOW : Do you have plans on creating new artworks inspired by music ?

Vincent Giarrano: I love working in series. All of my work follows a larger concept, but within that I create different series that explore subjects like music, architecture, contemporary portraiture, and city life.

Recently, I’ve started painting scenes of musicians playing in their practice spaces—an idea I’ve had in my mind for years. I love the mood of a band’s gritty rehearsal space in an old factory or house. They’re not performing for an audience; it’s more raw, private, and authentic.

MOW : Do you listen to music when you’re working ?

Vincent Giarrano: Yes, I listen to music most of the time while I’m working. I enjoy a wide range of styles—punk, new wave, film soundtracks, alternative music, some classical, and some rap.

MOW : What is the album you liked the most lately?

Vincent Giarrano: Lately, I’ve been listening a lot to Radiohead’s live session In Rainbows From the Basement, which is available on their YouTube page.

MOW : What was the last gig you went to ?

Vincent Giarrano: The last performance I attended was Jessica Lea Mayfield at a club in Brooklyn. It was a great experience—her guitar playing and singing were incredibly powerful.

MOW : Are you a musician yourself ?

Vincent Giarrano: I’ve never been a musician myself. For me, music has always been about appreciation and the inspiration that helps me create.

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Stay tuned with VIncent Giarrano’s work here :

www.giarrano.com

instagram.com/vgiarrano