THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1999

Modern-day Michelangelo

By Nicole Martinez

On-Line Forty-Niner

On a bright and sunny day overlooking the Pacific in beautiful Ranchos Palos Verdes, stands an artist at work.

His name is Davide Piubeni, a 28-year-old painter from Italy who said he enjoys taking images from real life and capturing the moment on canvas.

"There are so many strong emotions behind my reason for loving art," Piubeni said. "I love art because it's about life; it's about truth. I paint for truth."

Piubeni has traveled the world while painting the walls and ceilings of churches and cathedrals.

He has done work in Europe, Brazil and Australia.

Piubeni's religious paintings include the crucifixion of Christ, angels and images of the Last Supper.

His art can also be found in various homes in Beverly Hills, Brentwood and in his Miami gallery.

He uses oil, acrylics and fresco to bring his works to life.

"Fresco is watercolor on wet plaster," Piubeni said. "That's what Michelangelo used in the Sistine Chapel."

Piubeni is a modern-day Michelangelo and renaissance man.

He did some acting for a year and created scenes for drama productions.

Currently, he is studying in the United States on a visa and speaks very little English.

However, he said that as he learns the language, he is able to communicate with a few of the locals in Spanish and Italian.

Piubeni currently resides in Inglewood. When his visa expires in July, he said he will head to Brazil and paint for a few months.

After receiving his art degree in Milan at the age of 23, Piubeni said his profession has grown over the years and he encourages other artists to stay focused.

"The money varies," Piubeni said. "It can be very difficult the first year. But it's possible to do better the following year and so on. Don't give up."

As Piubeni paints the landscape, passersby stop in their cars or as they walk their dogs to admire his work. Many of them leave their phone numbers and ask him to contact them so they may buy his art. Others ask him to come and paint art on the walls and ceilings of their homes.

"This is normal for me," Piubeni said. "Whatever they want painted, I'll paint it for them. I never know what I'm going to paint next. Every day is a mystery!"