In life, one may come across a person that has such extraordinary talent it absolutely takes your breath away. Dick Zimmerman is one of those people. In the world of famous painters, we have Leonardo Da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Rembrandt Van Rijn and Dick Zimmerman the Rembrandt of the 20th century.
At the young age of seven, Dick Zimmerman painted his first portrait of his most important inspiration in life, his father. He shared his first painting with his teacher at school not knowing what it would bring. As he walked down the hall wondering why there was a crowd of students gathered around the glass showcase, there it was his painting of his father. At that moment, he knew what he wanted to be in life. His father introduced him to classical music and explored fine art museums where he learned about some the greatest painters of all times.
A native of New York, Mr. Zimmerman went on to study at New York University where he received a bachelor degree in art. He commissioned portraits during his studies as he mastered his craft which paid for his education. This gave him the opportunity to study for five years with the legendary Soyer Brothers, Raphael and Moses Soyer, at the Brooklyn Museum.
Mr. Zimmerman’s studies continued at The School of Visual Arts and Parsons School of Design. He went on to become the youngest Art Director for McCall’s and seven other publications. Throughout the 60’s, he was considered the “Wiz Kid” of editorial design. His studies and career in the visual arts allowed him to explore several career paths as an Art Director, Editorial Design, Photographer and Portrait Artist Painter.
At the age of twenty-one, he became a professional photographer, but this was not his true love. He traveled throughout Europe perfecting his technique as a professional photographer and artist. He lived in Paris for six years surrounding himself with the culture and art world in Paris. After taking photos for twenty years, he knew that he had to return to his true love of painting.
His special techniques of using colors that most portrait artists don’t use gives his painting a more realistic look. When painting, he becomes very invested in the moment creating a masterpiece for his clients. It is not about just creating a painting. It is about giving each client more than they ever expected by creating a family heirloom that they can past on generation after generation. So, he returned to Los Angeles and Florida where he returned to his true love of painting.
Mr. Zimmerman has painted the who’s who of Hollywood such as Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Priscilla and Lisa Presley, Jane Seymour, John Travolta & Kelly Preston, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many, many more. He is also the mastermind behind the Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” cover. He has appeared on such shows as NBC’s The Today Show, NBC’s Daytime, NBC’s Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Eye on LA and many more.
One of Mr. Zimmerman’s most memorable moments was when he was commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Salvador Dali and his wife Gala for their fiftieth wedding anniversary. At the tender age of five, his father took him to the Metropolitan Museum in New York where he was mesmerized by Salvador Dali’s “Crucifixion”. He was so fascinated with the “Crucifixion” until he refused to leave. The “Crucifixion” became a big inspiration to him. As a teenager, he would visit the museum and sit and stare at the painting for hours. So, in 1973 when he was commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Salvador Dali and his wife Gala for their fiftieth wedding anniversary, he did not hesitate.
When asked if he had the opportunity to paint anyone dead or alive, he did not hesitate to say “Rembrandt”. Mr. Zimmerman explained that there was no better artist than Rembrandt. So, he is honored when he is compared to his idol, Rembrandt and is called the Rembrandt of the 20th century. Like Rembrandt, Mr. Zimmerman focus on making each painting come alive by capturing the true essence of each person. He makes each person feel comfortable and confidence by bring out the pureness and canceling all other expressions that he doesn’t feel captures who they really are.
Dick Zimmerman is one of the greatest contemporary portrait artists of all times. His passion for his craft is reflected in his beautiful breathtaking portraits. One article is not enough to tell the full story of the man behind the portraits. There are so many fascinating stories within a story. It would take a book to share it all.
Mr. Zimmerman, you are an amazing contemporary portrait artists with such a humble spirit and I’m honored that you took the time to share a part of your life with me.
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