Boulder artist Robert Venosa, whose artwork is featured around the world, died this week at the age of 75 after an eight-year battle with cancer.
“A great soul has completed his earthly journey and graduated to the next level,” his wife, Martina Hoffmann, wrote in a letter. “His transition was graceful and accomplished in the same composed and calm manner that he exuded throughout his life.”
Venosa died Tuesday evening.
Born in New York City, Venosa started his career designing album covers for Columbia records as an art director in the 1960s, doing cover art for musicians such as Carlos Santana and former Boulder County resident Kitaro. During that time, he met painters Mati Klarwein and Ernst Fuchs, who became his major artistic influences.
In the early 1970s he moved to Cadaques, Spain, where he met Hoffmann and artist Salvador Dali. He moved back to the U.S. in 1982 and split his time between Boulder and New York before settling down in Boulder for good. He opened a studio and occasionally taught workshops at Naropa University.
Aside from painting, Venosa ventured into sculpting, film design and computer art. His art was the subject of three books and several publications, including Omni magazine.
A memorial will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Boulder Events Center, 2805 Broadway. A reception will follow at Tonic Herban Lounge, 10th and Pearl streets.
Donations can be made to the Robert Venosa Foundation through Wells Fargo Advisors, Attn. Laura Hay, 1155 Canyon Blvd., Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302.
Contact Camera Staff Writer Mitchell Byars at 303-473-1329 or byarsm@dailycamera.com.
