Over a decade ago, on a flight to the San Diego Comic-Con, I created a drawing to pass away the hours of the cross country trip. Little did I realize then that this off-handed sketch would open up a path to a series of imagery which I continue to explore and expand upon today.
I think what I like most about this series is that lack of strict
continuity needed between each of the paintings. Each figure is
obviously heavily inspired by a prototype, but a prototype that is open
to modifications and rebuilding as each painting dictates its own needs.
As I pack for another convention coming up this weekend in Kansas City – Spectrum Live – I wonder what new roads will await me on this adventurous career in art. I am grateful for the chances to explore and to have the freedom to pursue these tangents as they come my way.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolutely love these. The first Spectrum book I picked up, #20, I chose because of your art on the cover. Any chance you'll be bringing some of these, or any of your work, to the IMC this year?
Matt Huntley
matthewjhuntley.com
Whomever own at least three of the paintings shown are lucky SOBs indeed. 🙂
Hello Matt, All of the paintings are sold off or were commissioned and I only have three drawings left of this series (basically because I have yet to bring them to a convention!) Two of the drawing will be there with me at Spectrum Live! See you there.
Yes, they are indeed a SoaB… 🙂 See you tomorrow Arnie!
Donato-What I really enjoy about your Red Sonja pieces is that they deviate from the modern hypersexualized Red Sonja. I like that you hint at her femininity yet you dont make that the subject of the painting. You convey a strong female warrior by your use of realistic proportions. These women are in my opinion just another strong portrayal of you painting your heroes. These are like the live action version of how I would want my daughters to see Red Sonja. Well done!
While I am impressed with all of these images, I'm particularly attracted with your graphite sketches on toned paper. They're extremely well-done and have wonderful highlighting. I think they get our imaginations working more than the colour paintings (if that is even possible). Thanks for sharing these images as well as the story on how you created them.
Ever so excellent! Thank you for cluing us in to the origin of the series. Can't be at IMC BUT I will get the chance to see your work at UofMD's Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery- very excited about it!
Hey Donato, I love the sketches you did for these – can I ask what medium and paper you used – is it a sanguine pencil? What brand of paper and pencil? Thank you
Your art is very beautiful and inspiring! Thanks for sharing Donato.