"I am the son of the fine artist Elton Cortinhas, from whom I inherited not only a name but also a passion for art. At the age of nine I already played around with paint, but it was at nineteen, after serving in the Army, that I truly became involved with art. I studied for one year in the studio of artist Maria Tereza Vieira, with whom I worked with live models and acquired knowledge and understanding of various painting techniques and Art History.

"Though I am obviously influenced by my father, I pursue a mode of painting that differs from his. I once spent four years working in pencil trying to develop a subject most representative of Brazil. I came upon the fisherman, whose image I have used often in my latest works. I enjoy the style of Pop art, for it allows me to play with color and to create decorative pieces that animate environments.

"I am married to Isabel Cristina, who is also a fine artist, with whom I have achieved total completion. It is in her that I find support during difficult times in life and in art. Our first 'masterpiece' was revealed during the summer of 2000, when our first child was born. I hope that history will repeat itself in our child and that he or she will inherit the passion for art, as I did from my father. I am thrilled to be a part of the Novica family, and I hope that our partnership will be lasting and fruitful for us all."