Murals represent the life’s work of Port St. John artist
Murals represent the life’s work of Port St. John artist
George White | Jul 1, 2011, 12:35 p.m.
Brevard County, Fla. — By George White
Al Rao of Port St. John has left his colorful mark throughout Brevard County with a number of murals big and small.
Happy to be at it, still, though pushing 80, Rao uses the same tools he’s always used: a ladder, paint and paintbrushes. He also now has a how-to video he promotes online at alraomurals.com.
“I’ve done so many murals I can’t remember them all. The bigger the mural the better, but I’m known as a ham anyway. I’m just happy to make a living as an artist. To me it‘s not work, it‘s play,’’ he said.
His start in art came as a kid in New York City, at first paid to paint just skies, clouds and water. At age 14, he worked for wholesalers from Macy’s and Gimbels department stores.
“I worked for this old Italian guy in the Bronx. That’s when I learned a lot of shortcuts," he said.
Next up were bigger works and more experience.
“I started doing murals when I was 18 and worked in an art store in Woodstock," he said.
In the 1950s he became know as “The fastest artist in the world” for his ability to paint a Paris street scene in 10 minutes.
In Brevard, Rao murals are at Midway Airboats, Cocoa Village, Dixie Crossroads restaurant and the SPCA in Titusville as well as other locations.
Upcoming projects include the Dinosaur museum in Cocoa Beach and at Fallen Pines Critter Rescue in Christmas.
Rao has to seal outdoor murals against the ravages of Florida weather, which can fade the colors, something that he jokes is happening to him.
“If you see me, you can see what the sun can do,’’ he said.
Rao said he has no plans to retire.
“I’m very busy but as of now. I’m still having fun," he said.
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