fantasy artist michael calandra is working primarily with airbrush, acrylic paint and colored pencils and creates images of a dark and haunting nature. often depicting a commanding and sensuous female figure, michael calandra uses dramatic poses, lighting and color to produce atmospheric settings that reflect the essence of his subjects.
michael calandra was born in monroe, michigan usa. during his childhood, he studied the comic, horror, and fantasy art techniques of genre masters, such as frazetta and wrightson. he developed solid drawing and pen and ink skills by imitating their styles.
he continued to develop various painting and design skills through college, applying them to wildlife and portrait painting. he was a featured artist at many wildlife shows and had several one-man shows in conjunction with area galleries. while winning many awards and earning recognition for those works, the artist always retained his interest in fantasy, horror, and pinup art.
michael calandra strives to capture the essence of any subject he paints, whether it is the seductive look in the eye, or a classic pose, the artist has to communicate with the viewer through the painting. he bases the success of his paintings by their ability to emotionally move the viewer.
today, michael is incorporating the airbrush and coloured pencil into his current works featuring sensual women and depictions of the female form. he does freelance illustration and commission work from his home studio in sylvania, ohio.
