Charles Miano

Founder and Artistic Director

Charles Miano
American Painter

Charles Miano (b. 1977) is an American Artist whose art explores humanistic values, using a classic foundation and contemporary inspiration. Miano is an ARC Associate Living Master. He is the Founder and Director of Miano Academy of Art in Sarasota, Florida and an advocate of the revival of Classically Inspired Representationalism. His Sprezzatura Style of painting distinguishes his art as both studied and bold.

ART

Miano champions representational art through his exploration of painting and Nature. His work, often called "visual poetry," is defined by a lush palette, dynamic light and shadow, and bold, textured brushwork. His Sprezzatura Style balances studied precision with spontaneity, reflecting the tension between emotion and reason. Whether in head studies, figurative works, or still lifes, his art, both luxuriant and humble, captures the deep connection between hand and eye. Miano’s passion lies in creating personal, spiritually reflective works in his studio, ranging from drawings to paintings.

EDUCATION

Miano credits Nature as his primary teacher, echoing Da Vinci’s belief that “Nature is the source of all true knowledge.” His formal art journey began in the 1990s, mentored by illustrators at New York's Art Department. He studied with Nelson Shanks at Studio Incamminati and attended workshops in Florence. Since founding Miano Academy in 2007, Charles has continued daily studies alongside his esteemed faculty, learning from renowned visiting masters. His passion for the Old Masters drives him to copy their works in major museums worldwide, continually pursuing excellence in his craft.

TEACHING

Miano has taught traditional art and the “atelier method” for over 20 years. Through his academy and as its “hands-on” director, Miano is widely recognized for his attentive, intensive teaching methods and generous support of emerging artists. There, he doggedly pursues in-depth, studies in the tradition of the Old Masters. Miano also travels the globe, teaching workshops and lecturing on representational art and his own artistic methods.

Did you know?

  • Charles loves going on adventures!

  • He enjoys traveling for workshops and meeting new friends from around the world!

  • Charles is a guitarist and singer/songwriter in his down time!

  • He likes to do impressions of Brando and unsuspecting family members.

  • He is the designated Sunday ragu sauce cook for his big Italian family!

  • You can occasionally find him on the dance floor!

  • He enjoys practicing Tai chi!

  • His favorite toy as a kid was a squeegee.

  • He is a Renaissance enthusiast.

Charles Miano:
Fun and Flair in Every Brushstroke!

A characteristic that sets him apart along with his fun way of doing things that Charles is keen to point out: “it is essential to learn while having fun, it helps to relax”. If, however, in Italy there is a saying that says “L’abito non fa il monaco” (The dress does not make the monk”, which is the American equivalent of “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, this is not the case of Charles Miano, who even in appearance reminds us of the painters of the past because of his distinctive mustache and the hat that recalls the French beret: omnipresent.

-Teaching on the floor of FACE 2019, Charles Miano

“Light and Life are central concepts to my core vision, as an artist, I feel that they are relevant to reaching the heart and subconscious of a human being. My expression through figurative art tends to be passionate and deeply emotive.”

— Charles Miano