Cut of the Profits, 18″ x 24″, Oil on Panel, 2021, Magic:The Gathering- Streets of New Capenna
This past month saw the release of a handful of new Magic: The Gathering cards I had illustrated for Streets of New Capenna, all art directed by Cynthia Sheppard and the last projects I worked with her upon before her departure from Wizards of the Coast to continue a freelance career.
A comment on a social media thread got me thinking about what makes my work have my ‘style’-
‘…that makes the work so distinctive that even before a named is mention, and from a glance, be it colored or a sketch on grain paper, you can easily tell that “Oh that’s a Donato, what’s this work about”?’
I have no ‘style’ on my conscious when I tackle project after project. I am not sure what I bring into the creative process which makes a piece a ‘Donato’. But I am certain that it has to do with intense, intentional engagement during the multiple steps of design, referencing, preliminary work, and final rendering which instills in the work a certain level of integrity.
I can see when I ‘short-cut’ any part of my steps, a bit of that ‘Donato’ voice gets softened. I do not know what comprises all those qualities, but I really am not thinking of that intent of style, I just am happy when the final art comes out well!
Here is the latest batch of new oil paintings, and luckily all seem to have my ‘style’:
Lagrella, The Magpie, 16″ x 20″, Oil on Panel, 2021, Magic:The Gathering- Streets of New Capenna
Lagrella, The Magpie, 11″ x 14″, Graphite on Duralar, 2021, Magic:The Gathering- Streets of New Capenna
Visitors from the ocean…
Cut of the Profits, 18″ x 24″, Oil on Panel, 2021, Magic:The Gathering- Streets of New Capenna
Cut of the Profits, 18″ x 24″, Oil on Panel, Progress, 2021, Magic:The Gathering- Streets of New Capenna
Cut of the Profits, 18″ x 24″, Graphite and Chalk on Toned Paper, 2021, Magic:The Gathering- Streets of New Capenna
Getaway Car, 11″ x 14″, Graphite on Duralar, 2021, Magic:The Gathering- Streets of New Capenna
Getaway Car, 16″ x 20″, Oil on Panel, 2021, Magic:The Gathering- Streets of New Capenna
Goldhound, 14″ x 20″, Oil on Panel, 2021, Magic:The Gathering- Streets of New Capenna
Goldhound, 11″ x 14″, Graphite on Duralar, 2021, Magic:The Gathering- Streets of New Capenna
Toluz, Clever Conductor, 16″ x 20″, Oil on Panel, 2021, Magic:The Gathering- Streets of New Capenna
May I humbly suggest that the hidden element may be a deep humanism? I’ve loved the renaissance influence (caravaggio comes to mind) in your painting for years, but I’ve thought it connects to a deeper humanness of spirit ever since I was a fly on the wall when my artist friend called you 15 years ago. He was in a panic about how to handle his 1st commission -he even forgot a 3 hour time zone difference. I only heard 1 side of the conversation as I was working on my thesis, but your patience and graciousness was more than evident. My friend nailed that comission and is still working in the field today. That’s for what its worth
Thank you for that kind story James, I find it a pleasure and responsibility to help out new artists looking to make their way into the field of fantasy and science fiction art.
As for the humanist aspect of my work, I certainly have strived to place more empathy into the art in these past two decades. that certainly is part of my signature style, but obviously there is more.
This post could be much longer, going into the minutiae of all aspects of my work, but I’d rather be working in the studio on another one of my paintings to be honest!
You are very welcome. I look forward to seeing whatever emerges next! Good luck!