The Fantasy World of Donato Giancola

With the passing of both Frank Frazetta and Jeffrey Catherine Jones in the last several years, fantasy art not only lost two of its most prolific luminaries, but also lost two of its most technically skilled painters. Thankfully, there are talented artists like Donato Giancola to fill the void. Depending on your thoughts on Boris Vallejo (and there are plenty of thoughts), Giancola might be considered the best traditional painter currently working in the fantasy realist tradition (Donato calls himself a "classical-abstract-realist").

One of the critical distinctions that separates Giancola from his fantasy predecessors is a deeper commitment to the classical tradition. While Jones found inspiration in the abstract schools of early modernism (namely expressionism and symbolism), and Frank Frazetta followed his own "hyper-realist" muse,  Giancola draws a good deal of inspiration from the so-called "old masters." The artist has cited painters like Rembrandt, Titian and Caravaggio as some of his favorites, and this affinity clearly shows through in his work. Figure predominates, and the play of light and perspective grip the eye to the face and limbs.

Consider one of Giancola's many Lord of the Rings illustrations such as this dramatic piece featuring Frodo, Golem and Sam.  One can easily see the influence of Caravaggio on this composition, especially in regards to the position of faces and the detailed straining of the hands to convey weight and struggle. Or consider the shipwreck piece below, likewise with its heavy classical emphasis on hands and faces.

Beyond his commitment to classical technique, Giancola is a master of composition. I think it's fair to suggest that despite its wild and rich thematic pallet, fantasy art often has a tendency towards a certain myopia of composition. Characters are either presented towering above or cowering before the action. Admittedly, this "towering/cowering" trope is a beloved staple of sci fi/fantasy art, from the the original Star Wars posters to the iconic book covers of Frank Frazetta, emphasizing the prowess or peril of major characters is a way to sell copy.

The "towering" effect in Tom Jung's original Star Wars: A New Hope poster  

Another famous example of the classic "towering" trope provided by Frank Frazetta

"Cowering" trope provided by Giancola himself

St. George and the Dragon by Donato Giancola

While Giancola has himself employed such a compositional approach, he generally favors a far more active and counterintuitive presentation of the action.

The Golden Rose by Donato Giancola

The Golden Rose (2007) is one of Giancola's best known pieces, and beautifully captures his use of classical figures. The scene depicts a young woman grieving at the sight of a shipwreck as two butchered mermen lay dead upon the beach. The painting is a striking fantasy take on the classic pieta composition and highlights Giancola's trademark illumination of skin and flesh tones. 

Further cementing Donato's place as one of the premier contemporary fantasy artist is his illustrative bonafides. Giancola has provided some of the best illustrations for both Tolkien's Lord of the Rings as well as George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire. 

Song of Ice and Fire

Mother of Dragons by Donato Giancola