By age four, Sebastian Andreas Alterera knew he wanted to bean artist. Born in New York City in 1964, Alterera spent the early years of his life painting, drawing and learning to play guitar. At age 15, his mother decided to relocate the family to San Francisco, California after his father's sudden passing. Altera's art began to reflect the influence ofnature on the human mind. The architecture, mountains and ocean in and around San Francisco became an infinite source of inspiration.
Alterera was accepted into the BFA program at the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida. Upon graduating, Alterera entered the MFA program at Savannah College of Art and Design and after earning his MFA in 1992, he embarked for further studies in Naples, Italy. Where hisgs flourished.
Taught by the modern master Vaugel, Alterera refined his style and technique, and realized his particular gift for rendering realistic figures. He also began sharing his talents by teaching figure painting to a bevy of students, many of which became professional artists themselves. After spending seven years in Italy, Alterera returned to the U.S., and made a home in Atlanta.
Alterera's work has evolved dramatically over the years. Although he still prefers to work with the human figure, he has moved on from realistic figures to dynamic, figurative abstracts that reflect the natural colors and lines propelling so much of his motivation and vision.
Alterera's work can be found in numerous galleries and collections, both public and private, including the USF Medical Institute and Gallery Lumière. Alterera was introduced at ArtExpo, New York 2000, and tothis day his work is met with enthusiastic response.