Biography of Award-Winning Artist Randy Caminita, Sr.

Randy Caminita was born in Covington Louisiana, and grew up in St. Tammany Parish, today known as the "Northshore." Randy's love of art came to be as his mother recognized his talent from his drawing in school notebooks around the sixth grade. In seeing this, his mother, Shirley also recognized the detail that was given to these drawings and knew a talent might just be hidden within.

At the age of 12, Randy was enrolled in art lessons given by a local artist. Randy recalls how he began. Randy was told he had to start in the medium of charcoal and work his way to the painting phase and when the time came, he could choose a medium. Reaching this stage could take some time according to his instructor. However Randy's first day was with a small class of other young artist where the group drew still studies of wine bottles and fruit that were placed before them. In the following class, Randy again drew different still settings placed before he and his classmates till class ended. It was at this point that the instructor pulled Randy to the side and provided him with a shoebox full of assorted acrylic paints and brushes telling Randy his skills were advanced enough for him to begin painting. Randy advanced quickly in the acrylic medium. These classes lasted for less than a year.

At 14yrs of age, Randy was encouraged by his parents to paint at home, but with so many interests, this proved difficult. Randy's mother knew her son's talent and did not wish to see him quit. She located another local artist, Belle Schott. Randy and Belle hit it off great with Randy painting what interested him and what was in his heart, which was wildlife. Here, Randy developed a style, which happened to be with realism and much detail.

After Schott, Randy has had no other type of training in art. Randy's love of wildlife comes from his father Frank. Frank's love of the outdoors often took Randy and his brothers into the outdoors. Randy's father was his biggest fan and supporter but also his toughest critic. Knowing the outdoors and his wildlife, Randy often asked his father for advice. Randy listened to his father and did his homework to make each work of art as accurate as possible in capturing a certain mood from experiences. With this love, Randy spends whatever time allows hunting and fishing in the outdoors.

Randy's natural given ability has led him to achieve and succeed both local and state acclaim in the field of wildlife art; a discriminating field in which accuracy is an utmost necessity.

Up Close & Personal

Randys lives just south of the Village of Folsom in a beautiful country area called Martinville. Randy resides there with his wife Rebecca and their youngest child Ty. There are two older children, Randy Jr. and stepdaughter Catherine Ann Smith who are grown.

Being born and raised in Louisiana and living the country life in St. Tammany Parish gives Randy access to the many different outdoor endeavors offered in the state, providing fuel for creativity and variety.

If you are looking to hear about a studio, well Randy doesn't have what you would call a studio, rather a "spare bedroom". It is here that Randy, files his compiled research and creates. A lot of time is spent in this room.