Antonio Cirino's colorful and confident personality often distracted the Rhode Island art community away from his remarkable talent. Many local collectors and museums took for granted the command of imagery for which Cirino, a familiar face in the city, earned a national reputation. Since his death in 1983, scholars and collectors have gravitated toward his paintings, comparing him to his Rockport colleague, Emile Gruppe.

An immigrant from Italy at the age of two, Cirino integrated readily into the Rhode Island community. He graduated from Rhode Island School of Design and Columbia University. This diminutive figure,with his imposing personality, was a very successful artist. His fluid painting technique showed a keen understanding of composition and skillful craftsmanship in manipulating oil pigments, especially in the fluttering and lively effects of light reflecting off water. A keen student of nature, Cirino painted outdoors for his entire artistic career. He was a kindred spirit to the Impressionists and focuses on his personal interpretation of the subject. He enjoyed exhibits at the National Academy of Fine Arts, Dayton Ohio Art Institute along with many other prestigious institutions. Today his work continues to meet with much critical acclaim.

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