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 styles with little effort, growing an incredible portfolio and several types of artwork that garner attention.

This is apparent when you see the work of Mike Kupka. Whether painting well-known rock stars like Ozzy Osbourne, adding new depths to classic horror characters of Frankenstein and Dracula or creating amazing depictions of the Disney villains, Kupka's 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. At the duCret School of Art in New Jersey, he found his mentor - Peter Caras. He has not put his brush down since.

Just in his 30s, 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. With soft lines and a rustic palette, the villains he depicts show a great range of emotions whether it is Captain Hook's eyes boaring into you 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 glad to be bad.