Did you know that means Toothpick in Italian? It also means a fine place to be in Hell’s Kitchen.

Recently, the good people at Stecchino discovered the Jake’s Mural I created alongside friend and (spectacularly) talented artist Jeremy Penn. Following several discussions about a resonating painting for the venue… it was decided.

A portrait of Johnny Stecchino — as brilliantly portrayed by Roberto Benigni.

If you would like the rest of this post in 80 seconds, here is the process video, set to the fresh vibes of MH the Verb.

For more? Here is the source image: Roberto bringing the heat as Johnny? A blow-by-blow recap of the painting, in photos.

A blank canvas, the slate you did(n’t) see as a child.

Keeping it nice and raw to start. It’s about headlines, NYC scenes and pure, sweet, amazing cadmium red.

What about some green in the background and blac complements in the hat and collar (not “compliments” like, “nice shirt”.)

Stecchino coming to focus… the red in the foreground is there to keep my eye on the prize, per the future background. Guess what? Red is my Under Armour.

Coming into focus… source image in the foreground.

Regarding deeper tones in a portrait, you are facing the make or break moment… Make.

As a photograph —is this it? Possibly… as a painting? No. Not yet.

OK. Getting closer, but Stecchino is missing a valuable light tone, particularly in the nose a cheekbones.

Glorious, sweet, luscious, Dexter-approved red. Plus, the face is making sense while keeping an edge.

Here is Johnny Stecchino, as brought to life by Roberto Benigni, commissioned by Phil Alotta, and painted by yours truly. Thank you Phil and Danny for the commission, and thank you Stecchino Team.

Play it again Sam(sonite).

Be sure to check out MH the Verb referencing the great beats for this video.