Reflections from Alumnus Michael Fratangelo

Reflections from Alumnus Michael Fratangelo (’01 B.F.A) on His Time at SoVA and His Creative Process

I started down the path to be a painter in the fall of 2000, in John Bowman?s Beginning Oil painting class. I had no intention of pursuing art as a career, but lightning struck in his class. Professors pulled me aside, asking, “Is that what you really see? You really have something.” I knew I had found my calling.

I am a firm believer in Joseph Campbell’s idea that you should ‘follow your bliss.? I knew I had found my ‘bliss’ with painting so I had no choice but to follow that path. People often ask me how one ‘becomes’ an artist. I don’t think this is possible, you either are an artist or you are not. If you are, as Picasso said, you work out of necessity. You truly have no choice, and if you don’t, you will suffer. It is often a cross to bear.

I am so grateful that I went to Penn State because at Penn State you can venture into different career paths. Where you start out may not be where you end up. I believe having endless possibilities is absolutely crucial to young adults finding their way.

I cannot speak highly enough of the creative and innovative art school atmosphere that is available at SoVA. I was largely shaped by the teaching artists John Bowman and Ann Shostrom, who mentored me.

After graduating from Penn State, I did a series of topical shows, including a series documenting the “War in Iraq,” which was juried into the 2005 Florence Biennale.

Currently, I focus on commissioned portraits. My portraits are unique; I have never found anyone doing anything similar in the art world. Each work is a quest to puncture through the visible reality into the deeper mystical realm. The colors and shapes in my portraits tell the story of the spiritual essence of the people.†

My process is this: I first interview my subjects to create a reference for the work. I ask them about their mentors, life-shaping events, favorite music, food, clothing, seasons, and time of day. I then ask for 3-5 photos of them. I then enter the studio and do a series of sketches from these photos and interviews, before starting on the canvas. Depending on the size of the portrait, it usually takes about four months to complete.

People often ask me how I come up with the imagery in my work. I explain to them that I have come to understand my painting as a gift. ” It is guided painting, they just come through me. My work can be found at fratangelo.com.“

Source: https://arts.psu.edu/news/reflections-alumnus-michael-fratangelo-01-bfa-his-time-sova-and-his-creative-process/

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Penn State alumnus strives to transcend physical world through painting

Amy Milgrub Marshall

April 28, 2015

At first glance, the bright colors, lines and geometric shapes seem, well, like an assortment of colors, lines and shapes. But each circle, each triangle, each slash of fire engine red or sunny yellow has meaning behind it, according to artist and Penn State School of Visual Arts alumnus Michael Fratangelo (Class of 2001, bachelor of science in art education).

“The purpose of my work is to communicate the spiritual essence of my subjects,” Fratangelo writes on his website, fratangelo.com. “I strive to transcend the physical world in the subjects I paint, to reach the metaphysical.”

A native and current resident of Pittsburgh, Fratangelo never intended to be an artist. He started his college career as a healthy policy and administration major, but ultimately followed his heart to the art studio. It was in one of John Bowman’s classes that he realized he was meant to be a painter. “In his class, lightning struck — I was caught by painting. I was literally running to the Paterno Library to get books on Picasso. I knew I had found it, my purpose.”

Bowman recognized Fratangelo had a unique talent. One day, he took him aside after looking at his work and said, “Is that what you see? You really have something.”

Fratangelo acknowledges he has a gift. “I do not take my ability for granted,” he said. “Each work is a quest to puncture through the visible reality into the deeper mystical realm.”

Fratangelo shares his gift through commissioned portraits. In spring 2013, he offered a commission for the Arts and Architecture Alumni Society’s Charitybuzz auction. The Wigler family bought the item and the finished painting is now hanging in their home in Great Neck, New York.

Andrew Wigler said his family is very happy with the portrait, even though they had no idea how it would turn out. “The ultimate outcome is absolutely terrific,” he said, noting the painting is also “a tremendous conversation piece” because it’s so unique.

Fratangelo starts the painting process by talking with his portrait subjects, preferably in person. “I need to start somewhere; I need a foundation for the work. I ask their favorite colors, seasons, time of day, food, clothes and music. I ask how others would describe them, and I ask about their childhood and their mentors,” he explained, noting it usually takes four to five months for him to complete a portrait.

The Wiglers’ portrait — of mom, dad and two sons — appears to be a collection of circles and curlicues in all colors of the rainbow, plus brown and black. A closer inspection, however, reveals the compass in the bottom right corner, symbolizing the family’s passion for sailing and travel, and the yarmulke on the younger son, symbolizing the family’s Jewish faith.

“This is a very powerful family, and it comes out in the portrait,” said Fratangelo.

Fratangelo’s goal is to gain greater recognition for his portraits. “I want to get to the next level, and put my dent in the universe.”

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