Born in and raised in Chicago to a graphic arts family, Tony attended the American Academy of Art where he studied under renowned watercolor instructor Irving Shapiro.

Prior to graduation from the Academy, Tony began a twenty two year career in the corporate world in which he worked as an illustrator, graphic artist and web designer. In 2007 Tony left the corporate world to pursue his interests in watercolor painting and teaching.

Tony is a signature member of six national artistic societies and for the last ten years has served as the director of the Illinois Watercolor Society.

Tony has won many awards including an Artistic Project Grant from the Illinois Arts Council in 2014. Tony has also participated in many local and national juried exhibitions and has exhibited his work in many group and solo shows. He currently lives and teaches from his studio in Palatine, Illinois. His work is currently represented by the Hilliard Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri.