EXTRACTS: Illustrators issue 11 © 2015 The Book Palace (96 pages PAGES in Full edition)

9 in science fiction and fantasy—precisely the areas of commercial art Donato had targeted. Working back at his parent's house in Vermont, Donato would spend a month painstakingly working up each sample before making the trek down to New York City to show Sal his latest offering. Sal’s reviews were excruciatingly thorough and honest, and Donato would then head back home to make the necessary adjustments as well as to begin working on yet another sample. It was September 1992 when Donato finally made the move to New York City to commence a more thorough working relationship with Sal. He resisted the temptation to get a ‘regular’ job and instead supported himself with part-time work at the Society of Illustrators, initially as a coat checker. Donato lived in an apartment he shared ABOVE: 'Shaman' 2006. 24" x 36" oil on panel. Giancola's eye for a strong design, coupled with masterly use of lighting, ensure that his paintings draw the viewer in like a moth to a flame.