Allan Berman (frequently spelled Alan) was born in San Francisco in 1942 and, over the course of his distinguished career, has become widely recognized as one of America’s premier pastel artists. Known for his extraordinary mastery of classical realism and trompe l’oeil execution, Berman is celebrated for his highly detailed portraits, still life, and wildlife paintings that capture “better-than-life” realism. Through his studies under the late Italian modern-day master Roberto Lupetti, Allan developed the ability to combine his natural gift for realistic portrayal with the techniques of the classical masters. His work has earned both national and international recognition, along with prestigious accolades throughout the art world.
Several foundational factors contribute to his global standing in the art community:
Classical Training Under Italian Masters
- Renaissance Techniques: Berman was a direct student of the late Italian modern-day master Roberto Lupetti.
- Masterful Blending: This mentorship allowed him to integrate classical oil and Renaissance drawing techniques directly into the medium of soft pastels.
Hyper-Realistic & “Better-Than-Life” Style
- Trompe l’Oeil Mastery: He specializes in “trick of the eye” realism, creating depth that tricks viewers into believing three-dimensional objects are physically present.
- Emotional Depth: Beyond technical precision, his highly sought-after cultural portraits (such as John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe) capture raw, photographic human emotion.
Elite Industry Credentials & Awards
- Signature Status: He achieved rare, coveted Signature Status with both the Pastel Society of America and the Pastel Society of the West Coast.
- Global Juried Recognition: His masterpiece “Midnight Lace” was selected for Canada’s prestigious AIM for ARTS International Juried Exhibition, competing against thousands of artists worldwide.
- Consecutive Honors: He has claimed multiple Awards of Excellence from the Pastel Society of the Sierras and has won “Best of Show” at regional competitions multiple years in a row.
Permanent Museum & Media Placement
- Museum Collections: His painting “I’ll Remember You” was selected for the permanent collection at the Mario Lanza Museum in Philadelphia and displayed at the Butler Institute of American Art.
- Commercial Licensing: Major art groups like Reco International have licensed his work for three-dimensional collectors’ items.
- Industry Publication: Berman has been a featured cover artist for prominent trade publications like InformArt magazine and Pastel Artist International.