Francisco Adaro is an Argentine-born painter whose work merges playful imagination with technical refinement. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, his interest in art began early and remained constant, even as he took on various jobs to support himself. He studied at La Salle art school, where he discovered a deep connection to mural painting and a love for storytelling through images. To make ends meet, he would often sell quick drawings to passing tourists—an early glimpse of the personal connection that would later define his career.

These street sketches lead to Francisco having a chance encounter with his wife Brooke Gontarek, a traveler visiting from Florida’s 30A area. Eventually, they settled in South Walton and opened a studio that became both a home for his creativity and a space to share his work with a growing audience.

Adaro’s painting style is distinctive: using traditional oils, he creates bold, colorful scenes filled with stylized characters—people, animals, and hybrids of both. His figures often have features and expressive gestures, capturing everyday moments with humor and warmth. There’s a sense of narrative in each piece, inviting viewers to slow down and look closely.

Many of his characters are drawn from life. His wife, their two children, and a lively group of rescue animals regularly appear in his compositions. From dogs and cats to goats and even squirrels, and opossums, each animal brings personality and presence to the work, adding a personal and sometimes absurd touch.

Though his style leans whimsical, there’s a strong foundation of discipline and clarity in Adaro’s approach. His paintings are carefully composed and thoughtfully rendered, striking a balance between lightness and depth. He’s less concerned with fitting into a particular movement than with making work that feels honest, personal, and visually compelling.

From the urban streets of Buenos Aires to slow simmer of the South, Francisco Adaro’s path as an artist has been shaped by curiosity, persistence, and a genuine connection to the world around him. His paintings, full of character and color, offer a unique perspective on the ordinary—and a reminder that art doesn’t have to take itself too seriously to be meaningful.