Donato Giancola

Donato Giancola studied at Syracuse University, Saint Michael's College and University of Vermont. The recorded working language is English. The field of work recorded is fantastic art. Subjects and genres recorded for the work are science fiction and fantasy art. Employment is recorded with Wizards of the Coast and School of Visual Arts. Works named in the authority record are Magic: The Gathering. Distinctions recorded are World Fantasy Award—Artist, Chesley Award for Best Cover Illustration – Hardcover, Chesley Award for Best Cover Illustration – Paperback and Chesley Award for Best Product Illustration.

• Name — Donato Giancola • Born — 1967 • Birthplace — Colchester, Vermont, U.S. • Known for — Fantasy art • Notable Works — Magic: The Gathering • Awards — World Fantasy Award, Chesley Awards, Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist

Donato Giancola was born and raised in Colchester, near Burlington, in the state of Vermont. He has lived in Brooklyn with his wife and two daughters. Giancola first majored in electrical engineering at the University of Vermont, but left for Syracuse University to seriously pursue painting in 1989. He graduated with a BFA in 1992. Giancola describes himself and his work as a "classical-abstract-realist working with science fiction and fantasy" and lists Hans Memling, Jan van Eyck, Velázquez, Caravaggio, Vermeer, Piet Mondrian, Rembrandt, Rubens and Titian as his favorite artists. Giancola has illustrated cards for the Magic: The Gathering collectible card game. He has been described as a "cult hero" among fantasy collectible card game players. In 2008, the Bennington Banner referred to him as "arguably the most popular and successful sci-fi/fantasy artist working today". His paintings of J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy world have been described as making him "the Caravaggio of Middle-earth". In 2021, the U.S. Postal Service announced that a "three ounce" stamp honoring Ursula K. Le Guin would be issued later that year. It features her portrait, based on a 2006 photograph, against a background scene from The Left Hand of Darkness, created by Giancola and art director Antonio Alcalá.

• 2004 Art Renewal Center, International Salon, first place, figurative category. • 2004 World Fantasy Award for Best Artist. • 2006, 2007, 2009 Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist; also nominated six times. • 2008 Hamilton King Award for Excellence, Society of Illustrators. • 2024 Tolkien Society Award for Best Artwork for "Frodo's Inheritance".

• Donato Giancola: From Middle Earth to Outer Space and Beyond, Huntsville Museum of Art, 2013-2014. • Magical Adventures: Fantasy Art from The Frank Collection, University of Maryland, College Park, 2004. • Illustrators, The Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition of Illustration, 128 East 63rd Street, New York, New York. 1999-2004. • The Art of 'The Lord of the Rings', Exhibition of book cover and interior illustration, Bailey/Howe Library, University of Vermont, 2002.

Donato Giancola is recorded with the occupation graphic artist. Classed in the genre science fiction. Classed in the genre fantasy art. Recorded as having received World Fantasy Award—Artist, Chesley Award for Best Cover Illustration – Hardcover and Chesley Award for Best Cover Illustration – Paperback. Career and activity. Giancola worked in fantastic art. He was employed by Wizards of the Coast and School of Visual Arts. He belonged to Society of Illustrators.