Bill Tosetti was born and raised in Southern California, and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in design from Cal State Northridge in 1985. He has been working as a commercial artist for the past 15 years. Bill is an animal advocate, and has had many dogs throughout his life. The artist combines his love for dogs and his design experience in this recent pop portrait series.
“Braveheart” was created by artist, Bill Tosetti, in honor of the courageous men and women who gave their lives rescuing the victims of the September 11th tragedy. A portion of the proceeds has been donated to the United Way’s September 11th fund. The use of this image has also been generously donated to the United Way of Monterey County for use throughout their 2001-2002 campaign. It has appeared in print media, on holiday cards, campaign celebration invitations and limited edition giclées were given as exclusive gifts to UWMC’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society.
The “Braveheart” image was an extension of a pop series penned "Plein DogTM" currently shown at several galleries throughout the United States, including Hanson Gallery in Carmel, California. Many of the dogs featured in this series have been the subjects of commission pieces from clients who have chosen to provide a photograph of their own pet, so that an expression or a mood could be conveyed.
All of these dogs have a story waiting to be told. One such dog is Jacaranda (Radio Flyer) who recuperated in an old Radio Flyer wagon after being severely injured in an automobile accident. Jacaranda’s medical bills reached $9000 and the automobile insurance company only offered to pay the “dog’s worth” which they estimated to be about $300. A silent auction was held with a champagne reception at the Hanson Gallery Carmel to raise money to help with the costs of his extensive surgery. The image was subsequently donated to the SPCA of Monterey County, as the cover of their 2001 “Unconditional Love in Monterey County” benefit book.