About The Artist

Randall Messina, a self-taught artist originally from St. Louis, Missouri, has spent decades creating compelling works of art across multiple mediums. His passion for drawing began early; in high school he immersed himself fully in the arts, taking every course available—from oil painting to pottery—laying the foundation for a lifetime of creative expression.

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He briefly worked as a commercial artist after graduation, but in 1979 he entered a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. Upon retiring in 2017, Messina returned to his first love: art. Since then, he has developed a mastery of soft pastels, producing strikingly realistic portraits often mistaken for high-resolution photographs. His dedication to traditional realism reflects his desire to preserve the warmth, depth, and emotional resonance found in the great artists of the past.

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In addition to his artwork, Messina is an accomplished musician, Christian author, photographer and Chef graduating from Le Cordon Bleu college of culinary arts in 2011.

 

His photographs—ranging from wildlife scenes to still-life compositions from across the United States—often serve as source material for his drawings. His sharp eye for detail and composition allows both his photos and his artwork to radiate a richness and authenticity that many artists strive for but rarely achieve.