The evil fairy Maleficent is responsible for all misfortune that befalls Stefan's kingdom; even the merest killing frost bears her mark. So when only the good fairies are invited to bestow gifts upon the newborn princess Aurora, the slighted sorceress arrives in a thunderclap to bestow her own "gift." "Before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday, she shall prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die." For 16 years, the Forbidden Mountains thunder with wrath and frustration as the meddling good fairies keep Aurora hidden from Maleficent's searching minions. Beyond a matter of honor, this has become a matter of ego. Her pride, her evil will not be denied. So Maleficent sends her beloved raven to search for Aurora. Just as the curse is about to expire, Maleficent finds her quarry and strikes. Savoring her victory over the weeping good fairies, she gloats, "You poor simple fools, thinking you could defeat me, me! The mistress of all evil." But Maleficent had best not underestimate her virtuous adversaries. Before the day is done, she'll have to assume her most fearsome guise, as a fire-breathing dragon, to defend all she's won.
"Now You Shall Deal with Me"
Giclee on Canvas
Size: 24 x 18
Edition Size: 195
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.
Even at the young age of 32, 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.
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