Original art is available for purchase from many of the exhibitions, commercial commissions, trading cards, and
various other projects Donato has produced through the years. Items offered range from
preliminary abstract sketches to the final paintings created in oils upon a protected 100%
cotton paper ground.
His art may be seen at numerous conventions around the
country and frequently at the Society of Illustrators in the annual exhibitions held there.
Feel free to browse through the galleries for art available for purchase, or you may link to images from the list below.
Please contact Donato if you are interested in purchasing any of his works or commissioning him for a specific assignment.
A bit of information about Donato's technique.
After working through preliminary rough drawings, including abstract studies and free hand gesture drawing, Donato then hires models and extensively researches his subjects. From figures, costumes, props and numerous references, a 50% to 100% full-sized cartoon of the final composition in graphite/pencil on paper is created: various examples can be found within the gallery accompanying some images. In most cases in developing the next step of the painting, a copy of this drawing is made onto acid-free cotton paper using powder acrylic toner (very lightfast). The copy is then mounted onto a support of masonite or birch veneer plywood using acrylic medium as the binder. The same medium is layered onto the upper surface, 3 coats thick, to protect the paper from the oils. Oil paint is then applied upon this surface, mixed frequently with an oil medium. The surface provides a very smooth texture, ideal for rendering wonderful detail. The support is stable and archival: oil on gesso on cotton paper on wood. Paintings on canvas are similarly constructed with oil on gesso on cotton canvas stretched over wood. Further questions regarding his technique may be addressed in the Frequently Asked Questions section, or within techniques.
Purchase of original art does not transfer ownership of intangible rights. All commercial reproduction copyrights to the image remain property of Donato or their respective owners unless negotiated otherwise.
Shipping and framing of the painting(s) are to be paid for by the buyer unless negotiated otherwise.
You may also inquire about works for sale by Donato and dozens of other science fiction
and fantasy artists at Worlds of Wonder.
