How It All Started: The Roots of N&T
Hey! I’m Claudio — born and raised in Napoli, Italy, now living in Amsterdam for the past 11 years. I’m a dad, a finance guy by day, and (as I recently rediscovered) a big fan of painting. As a kid, I was one of those “annoying” types — good at school, good at sports, pretty decent at art too. But water polo was where I really made waves (pun fully intended).
From Doodles to Discovery
That simple moment sparked something new. I began painting more often with Nicholas, just for fun — experimenting, playing with colors, and trying out new techniques. We started with simple sketches on small pieces of paper, exploring without pressure.
Affordable Art? Yes, Please!
One of the unexpected joys of living in the Netherlands is how easy it is to get creative without spending a fortune. I still remember the first time I walked into Action — it was like a playground for artists. From brushes and canvases to sketchbooks and vibrant paints, everything was there… and at prices that made it impossible not to experiment. That kind of accessibility makes a huge difference.
From Sketches to Small Canvases (and a Few Cartoon Requests)
After that first painting session, Nicholas and I were hooked. Soon, I graduated from scrap paper to small canvases, usually painting whatever Nicholas ordered like a tiny art director. Olaf? Sure. Super Mario? Why not. Santa Claus in May? Of course, boss. What amazed me was how much fun I was having. Painting stopped being “just for him” and started becoming something I genuinely craved.
When a Hobby Gets Noticed (And Ends Up in a TV Studio)
It all started with Olaf, Super Mario, and Santa Claus — my son Nicholas’ top picks for our little painting sessions. But after sharing a few of those first creations online, something unexpected happened: people started paying attention. One message really caught me off guard. It came from an old friend and journalist back in Italy — someone who had followed my water polo career years ago.
From Hobby to Gifts That Stuck Around
As I kept experimenting with painting, something funny happened — the canvases started leaving the house. It began casually: a birthday gift here, a little surprise for a friend there, or just something random I decided to give away because, well… my walls were running out of space. Let’s be clear, some of those early pieces were far from masterpieces (let’s call them “early experiments” 😄)
Gondola in Venice & Vietri landscape (for my sister-in-law)
Venice and Vietri — two of Italy’s gems, and two of my sister-in-law’s requests!
First, the gondola in Venice: all romance and charm… except for the poor painter (me) trying to survive the tiny details without losing his mind 😄.
Beach landscape in Maiori (with me, my brother, and my Best Dutch friend)
At first glance, this beach scene in Maiori looks like any peaceful holiday painting — blue sea, sun-drenched coast, postcard vibes. But look closer: those three tiny figures are actually me, my brother, and my best Dutch friend.
Yes, we’re immortalized in paint now — no sunscreen required.
A Canvas for the Captain
My grandfather was one of those unforgettable souls — endlessly generous, kind, and with a soft spot for his grandchildren (especially me, of course 😄).
But he wasn’t just a great man — he was an artist in his own right. He built incredibly detailed wooden ship models, including the majestic Amerigo Vespucci.
From Canvases to Kicks: My Artistic Journey of Exploration
After completing my first canvas, I didn’t want to stop. I’m not the kind of artist who sticks to one style or subject. I enjoy exploring—trying new things, different surfaces, and unexpected ideas. My creativity thrives in variety. At the time, life at home was busy too. My son Nicholas was always around, and I wanted to spend quality time with him while still creating.