About Your Artist: Michael Castronova
I have been an artist my whole life and have worked very hard at perfecting my skills in illustrations. Although I love to draw people in general, my "Stages of Life" drawings are the most gratifying pieces for me because I create a real keepsake. The value to the customer is measured in the joy that they get every single time they look at their finished piece, and in the stories I receive about the pieces literally getting buried with people, and being handed down the generations.
I am a perfectionist with my work as an artist, and I create my illustrations with the intent of moving my subjects emotionally. From the intricate detail of my work, the design and layout and identical likeness, I am sure you will cherish my work throughout your lifetime. I truly love what I do and would love the opportunity to create your own personal pencil portrait or "Stages of Life" keepsake.
- 1981, First commissioned illustration being the covers of two programs featuring boxing World Champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini.
- 1983, Designed "Zanesville Bicycle Classic" logo which continues to annually circulate the world in promotion of the event
- 1985, My illustrations featured on ESPN with one of my own professional fights (yes, I was a professional boxer, too!)
- 1988-91, Member of a 3-person award-winning Manhattan, NY, art department which featured fashion and design
- 1991, Illustration depicting Bobby Thompson, Ralph Branca and The Polo Grounds honoring the 40th anniversary of "The Shot Heard 'Round The World" was featured at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
* 500 Limited Edition autographed prints were sold that evening - 1995, Featured artist on ESPN's "This Week In Baseball"
- 1997, 50 Limited Edition prints purchased by U.S.A. Distribution, to be auctioned at PGA events across the country
- 2001, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's runner up for "Man Of The Year" by raising money from art sales