Mike Kupka
The art of illustration is multifaceted and requires extensive training as well as artistic ability. It is only natural for a great illustrator to be able to switch their style with little effort, growing an incredible portfolio and several types of artwork that demand attention.
This is apparent when you see the work of Mike Kupka. Whether painting well-known rock stars like Ozzy Osbourne, or adding new depths to the classic horror characters of Frankenstein and Dracula, to his amazing depictions of the Disney Villain's. His affinity for the darker characters in life has developed into quite a scary portfolio.
As with most artists the desire was there to draw early on, he would wait all week for the Sunday comics and eagerly copy the latest Beatle Bailey. Mike started to paint during his time at duCret school of art in New Jersey when he found his mentor Peter Caras. He has not put the brush down since.
Michael's artwork captures more than a likeness of the characters he paints, his work creates old world flair. Bringing together all the ingredients necessary to make a painting work, which is why he attracts the eye. With the soft lines and rustic palate, The villains he depicts have always shown a greater range of emotions whether Captain Hook's eyes are boaring into you sizing you up or Cruella dreaming about the newest batch of puppies for her next fur coat. One thing is for sure you know that the characters he renders are so glad to be bad.
Shadow, mood, composition, and color, his style lends to it and as he says about why villains, "You get more!" You can see from his works he is right.