David Henry La Cagnina was born in Washington, D.C. After graduating from Palm Beach High School he received a Congressional Appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Subsequently he trained and became a Naval Aviator assigned to Attack Squadron-106 on the USS Shangri-La, home ported in Mayport, Florida. Throughout his life he was influenced by his famous father, Henry La Cagnina, who was selected at an early age to be one of the thirteen original artists assigned to create an artist colony in Key West, Florida. Later the father and son owned and operated art galleries in Florida and North Carolina. Not until his father's death did the younger La Cagnina take up painting and quickly realize the joy and excitement derived from painting, especially the painting of his happy fish. He now paints and weaves in Highlands, North Carolina.
David La Cagnina's Fish Paintings
David La Cagnina's fish of many colors living in harmony are all part of the sea life community. The La Cagnona fish are derived from the imagination of the artist. The bright and cheerful colors of the fish leave a smile on the face of the viewer. To see a sampling of his famous fish paintings, click here.
David La Cagnina's Handwoven Scarves
After moving from Florida, David La Cagnina could not find a warm winter scarf to his liking. "Why not weave my own", he thought. Through practice, he perfected his technique, and since last January has woven over 500 unique scarves in a myriad of colors and designs. For summer, he has designed a number of colorful, lightweight cotton and silk scarves.