From Medicine to Masterpieces

For 35 years, Anthony Christiano, better known as Dr. Christiano, dedicated his life to caring for patients as a primary care physician and still has his license and renews his CME credits. But beyond medicine was another lifelong passion. Stepping inside his Marco Island home, you will quickly find yourself surrounded by colorful wildlife, award-winning artwork, and paintings that reflect a lifetime of creativity.

At 85 years old, Dr. Christiano never let go of the passion that first began in the third grade.

"I got an A in art class," he joked when asked how he first discovered his love for painting.

That simple moment sparked a talent that has grown into hundreds of paintings and several award-winning carvings. Painting may be one of his many hobbies, but the patience and detail behind each piece deserve to be displayed in a gallery. Every brushstroke tells a story, especially in his bird paintings, where each feather is painted with remarkable precision.

His artistic journey has also earned him recognition over the years. In 1963, Christiano won the Funniest Mona Lisa Contest, judged by the legendary artist Salvador Dalí. The contest was sponsored by a New York City radio station when Leonardo da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa was brought from the Louvre Museum in Paris for a special exhibition. It was one of the earliest acknowledgments of creativity that would continue to grow throughout his lifetime.

Originally from New Jersey, Christiano moved to Marco Island with his wife, Evelyn, in 2018. The couple has been married for 61 years. "She's my best critic and makes suggestions on my paintings all the time," Christiano said. "She's also my biggest support."

The two met through Christiano's cousin, who happened to be Evelyn's best friend while they both worked in the medical field. Evelyn was a nurse, and their shared careers eventually led them to each other. Listening to the stories they shared while being welcomed into their home was a wonderful opportunity to learn about both their lives together and Christiano's artistic journey.

Strolling through their home felt like touring a private gallery. Every hallway and room displayed one of his paintings, each with its own story.

One of Evelyn's favorite painting experiences dates back to 2006, when they were renovating their New Jersey home. Christiano insisted on painting directly onto the tumbled marble backsplash behind their stove. Evelyn admitted she was not convinced at first, but once he completed a beautiful still life featuring wine, bread, cheese, and a colorful fruit bowl, she loved it. The painting gave their kitchen a warm, inviting touch.

Christiano also took two classes at the Marco Island Center for the Arts with Diane

Reed Eiler. “Diane was an excellent art teacher. She was very encouraging to me and said pleasant things about my paintings to Evelyn," Christiano said.

Fish have always been Christiano's favorite subject to paint. His love for marine life began with the aquarium he owned as a child and continued through years of boating in New Jersey, fishing around Marco Island, and spending time outdoors with his grandchildren. His paintings are full of vibrant colors and lifelike details that make each subject seem to come alive.

One painting that immediately caught your attention stood near the dining room table. It featured a tall bird painted on an unusual canvas—his neighbor's old fence. After Hurricane Sandy, the broken fence had been left at the curb to be thrown away. Instead, Christiano asked if he could take the wood home. He pieced the boards back together, painted them white, and transformed them into a beautiful work of art. As the saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Painting is not his only artistic talent. Christiano is also an accomplished wood carver. He proudly showed a collection of carved ducks displayed in a glass case.

His favorite was a Wood Duck that took nearly three months to complete. The carving earned him second place at the Toms River Wildfowl Art and Decoy Show, a recognition of the incredible detail and craftsmanship he puts into every project.

His carving skills also influence his paintings, especially his birds. Every feather is carefully placed, giving each piece depth and realism. Most of his paintings take at least three weeks to complete, and while he has gifted many away to family and friends, his home remains filled with artwork that tells the story of his life and passions. One painting that drew a smile featured a sea turtle hanging in the dining room. "I saw a painting just like that one," Christiano laughed. "They wanted me to buy it for a very high price. Instead, I took a picture and painted my own."

Meeting and being welcomed into the Christiano home were such a fun opportunity to witness what true talent and humility look like. From earning an A in third-grade art class to spending decades caring for patients, Dr. Christiano never stopped being available for the passion that inspired him as a child. Today, every painting hanging throughout his home reflects not only his remarkable artistic ability but also the joy, memories, and love that continue to inspire every brushstroke.