He began his career in Los Angeles as a graphic artist and clothing designer. Aldrete was very involved in the diving industry and created a series of well-known mermaid pen and ink illustrations, known as “The Ocean Dance Collection”. This unique collection is still recognized today in both the United States and Internationally. He also established an interior design company, which specialized in creating environments and murals for residential and commercial properties.
Devoted to self study, and the study of the Old Masters, Aldrete took his first of many trips to Italy. There he studied the art of Bono Fresco, which he began incorporating into his mural treatments. The inspiration gained from those studies encouraged him to set his priorities to pursue his love for the arts full time, and he began focusing on painting and sculpting.
His love for the sea influenced him to make the California Coast and the Big Island of Hawaii his home and studio. Aldrete divides his time between California and the Hawaiian Islands where he gains his inspiration to paint the beauty of land and sea.

Aldrete works in oils, watercolors and acrylics. His unique paintings are warm and dramatic with vibrant color, exquisite detail and a wonderful combination of realism, memory and imagination. His work can be found in many corporate as well as private collections throughout the United States and internationally.