Picture of the Week # 5 "Bored Buddhists of Bhutan"

Picture of the week #5 - December 29, 2008 - The "Bored Buddhists of Bhutan"

In 2000 we were lucky to be invited by our friends Heide Eckes & Alberto Lensi to see Bhutan the small Himalayan Kingdom that borders China, India and Tibet. We spent 12 wonderful days traveling all over the country. I took hundreds if not thousands of images and hours of video. It was truly a memorable experience and it celebrated my turning 60. 

Picture of the Week # 4 "Roman Chariots"

"Roman Chariots" Rome, Italy 2002  On a rainy afternoon we were staying at our brother-in-laws majestic apartment right next to the Spanish Steps when I looked out the window to check the weather. This is what I saw. 

Picture of the Week #3 "Il Mc Duce"

"Il Mc Duce" is my obvious takeoff on a commercialized Mussolini. It was taken in Rome in 2003. A recent email that I sent out incorrectly stated that it was shot in 2006. Anyway, this is the correct date. 

Picture of the Week December 8, 2008

 I love this image. It was taken in Paris in 2006. It made me laugh then, and brings a smile to my face now. I hope you enjoy it as well. It is an Archival Inkjet Print that measures 13" X 19"

Picture of the week

I have decided to send out a picture from my files every week. Here is the first, titled "Gassed". It was shot inside a Pasadena California gallery in 2006 and printed on Archival Inkjet paper that measures 13" X 19" in 2008. I hope to add a different image from all over the world every week. Please let me know if you do not wish to be receiving these. Best, Stephen Verona

Henry Winkler

Friday May 30th I did a book signing of "THE MAKING OF THE LORDS OF FLATBUSH" at the LA Convention Center and who should be the next author to sign but Henry Winkler. We hugged briefly backstage. It had been years since we last saw each other and it was like no time had passed. He couldn't have been nicer. 

Each author signed their respective books for a half an hour. Afterwards I walked around and looked at what other authors were showing. It was great. You meet all sorts of interesting people as you can see in the accompanying photos. 

Sly Stallone

Sylvester Stallone came to my photo exhibit and book signing of "THE MAKING OF THE LORDS OF FLATBUSH" at the Celebrity Vault Gallery in Beverly Hills on May 15th. He couldn't have been more gracious. Not only did he come at promptly 6:00, he stayed until after 7:00. He signed autographs, posed for pictures and gave me the greatest praise for discovering him back when we made the movie. He also bought 80% of the photos that were being exhibited. He was so open and approachable and I think many people were surprised by how friendly he was. I greatly appreciate his coming, but more than that, his friendship and loyalty. I was beaming that night and for the followings days. Sly also granted an on camera interview that my publisher Michael Baumohl of Book Publishers Internaitonal will be posting on YouTube as well as various entertainment TV & web shows. I'll keep you posted as to dates and times.

Making of the Lords book & Henry Winkler

I don't want this blog to be about sales, but an artist must earn a living. So I will sprinkle in my thoughts and opinions as what is going on in art, photography, movies and the world in general. And when I produce new work you'll be the first to see it.

This is just to follow up on my April 1st's opening blog about my new book, "The Making of the Lords of Flatbush". Here it is , hot off of the press. 

I received a wonderful note from Henry Winkler who had just received it in the mail and wrote me that he can't wait to read it. 

I am waiting to hear from Sylvester Stallone. 

I'll keep you up to date as to people's reactions. 

So far, from the editor to the publisher everyone has absolutely loved it. They found it a fun and informative read.

You can purchase the book on Amazon.com or bookpubintl.com. Also check out my website to learn more about my work and to see what other collectors have said. www.stephenverona.com and my ebay store if you wish to purchase one of my photographs.  Go to www.stores.ebay.com/Stephen-Verona. And just for a hoot, check out www.YouTube.com and punch in my name Stephen Verona in the search box. 

Tell all of your friends. Pass this along. Help promote my blog. Thank you.

May peace prevail.

New Book

Welcome to my blog. My site will deal with art, photography, and movies. 

I have been a working artist and an Academy Award nominated film-maker all of my life with a few years in the beginning where I actually held down a 9 to 5 job in advertising. 

Somewhere along the line I morphed into directing commercials, then music videos starting with the Beatles and finally feature films and documentaries. All the while I always painted and took photos, which I will share with you. 

My new book "The Making of the Lords of Flatbush" which chronicles my first feature film of the same name, is now in print. This is a must read book for anyone interested in movies, the mob, or celebrity. All told with a sense of humor and some never seen before photos of the stars. You can find it on Amazon.com or Bookpubintl.com.  

This is the film that launched the careers of Sylvester Stallone, Henry Winkler, Richard Gere and a host of others. 

I continue to serve on the Best Foreign Language Film committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and will report on the wonderful and not so wonderful films that I see. 

So stay tuned. I'll be back. 

Stephen Verona - www.stephenverona.com