Massimo Mazzon is a contemporary painter whose work bridges the gap between classical technique and digital-age aesthetics. Working from his studio in Menlo Park, California, and painting en plein air by the San Francisco Bay, Mazzon has developed a distinctive visual language that he terms "Synthetic Realism", a style that acknowledges the constructed nature of all representation while celebrating the sensory pleasures of paint on canvas.

 Mazzon holds a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the prestigious Academy of Art University in San Francisco. His rigorous academic training in traditional painting techniques provides the foundation for his explorations into contemporary visual culture. 

As both a practicing artist and an active art educator, Mazzon shares his knowledge and expertise with aspiring artists. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions throughout California and beyond, including shows at STUDIO Gallery in San Francisco, representation in galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California, and Florida. 

Oil painting is Mazzon's primary medium, chosen for its ability to capture rich textures and subtle variations in light. Through his Synthetic Realism series, Mazzon invites viewers to reconsider the relationship between the real and the represented, the observed and the constructed, in an age where images circulate endlessly through digital networks.

Visit the Studio

Book an experience at Massimo's studio at https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/6711926. Step into the space where he's painted for 30+ years. Set up a still life and learn oil painting from the ground up: preparing canvas, mixing colors, and applying paint with traditional techniques. Explore color theory, brush work, and how light creates form. Whether beginner or experienced, instruction adapts to your level. Leave with your own oil painting and new skills. All materials provided—bring your creativity.