CNJ ARTICLE>Local Artist Makes Star Wars Fans' Dream Come True

The force may awaken in theaters on December 18th, but imagine waking up everyday to this Custom Star Wars themed bedroom with murals created by local artist Mark Romanoski.  

AS FEATURED IN CENTRALJMark has been a professional artist for close to 20 years.  His clients include companies such as, Warner Brothers Studios, Universal Studio’s, Marvel Comics, the World of War-Craft, Harry Potter and The WWE.  His murals hang both residentially and commercially throughout the New York, New Jersey area. They can be seen in the Newark Federal Court building, the Time Warner building in NYC, and a NJ Senator’s home.   

The Star Wars job had particularly special meaning both personally and professionally to Mark.    “I was 9 when the first  Star Wars Movie Episode 4 came out.  It was the last movie my father took me to.  I remember leaving the theater and my father pointed out that Darth Vader had gotten away and there will probably be another movie.  If he only knew.”   

The professional significance lies at the beginning of his career.   Early on, I was obsessed with being an illustrator particularly a fantasy illustrator.  Tim and Greg Hildebrandt were personal idols of mine.  Working together, known as the Brothers Hildebrandt they are legends in the field of illustration. They painted the original Star Wars Movie Poster.  One of Mark’s first breaks as an illustrator came when he was hired to work with and be mentored by Tim and Greg.  “ I have to admit I have been very fortunate in my artistic education and career.  Now with 20 years of experience, Mark is doing his part to help young artist.  He teaches art as an Adjunct Professor at Kean University and an Instructor at The DuCret  School of Art.  

Past clients who wanted their son’s room done in a Star wars theme commissioned the Star Wars Murals.  In order to survive as an artist you have to give 110% to each job.  When you have clients who love and appreciate the work it inspires you to give even more.  Everyday I would hear their 7 year old son come home from school drop his book bag and run up the stairs to see the day’s progress.   His face would light up.  No matter how small of an explosion or detail on a ship I would add he would immediately point it out. I swear the kid is going to grow up to be an art director. I found myself adding more and more details just to see his expression.   The two main walls measure 8.5 x 15. Not shown are two smaller walls, a 4 x 6 mural of Luke Skywalker looking over the dual setting suns with ghost images of Vader and Yoda in the clouds, as well as a full figure mural of a young Obi One Kenobi.  For the entire die hard Star Wars fans, in the lower right of the Space Battle scene, yes that is a Millennium Falcon cockpit bed. 

While he still accepts Mural and Illustration commissions, Mark’s current focus is on a new business, Significant Portraits by Mark Romanoski.  “ I’m taking a photograph prior to an event a Bar Mitzvah or a Wedding for example.  I create a close to life size portrait drawing in the middle of a 20 x 30 board and place it out at the reception.  The extra space around the board  allows plenty of room for guess to sign and leave personalized written messages, forever preserving the thoughts, sentiments and love of the day. I am really excited about this project  “ these Significant Portraits make a great keepsake for really any special occasion.

He is also very excited about a new class he is offering in the spring of 2016 at DuCret School of Art.  The class is based on Julia Cameron’s book THE ARTIST WAY.   The course is designed for artist and non-artist alike anyone who wishes to unblock and un-leach their creativity.

When ask if he had any Advice for young artist Romanoski stated, “It’s different today from when I started.  You have to be more balanced.  Always follow your passion and learn your artistic craft.  In order to survive in today’s field you also need to study the business side of things and be able to develop a business plan.” To contact Mark, e-mail mrillustration@comcast.net. Or visit his websites www.muralsanddesign.com and www.significantportraits.com.

Annual Miniature Show - Sunday, December 4!

ANNUAL MINIATURE SHOW AND OPEN HOUSE AT duCRET
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
2PM - 4PM - FREE ADMISSION

You're invited to bring the whole family to this Holiday Art Show, to view original and one-of-a-kind pieces designed by the duCret student body. Music, refreshments and a whole array of miniature artwork will be on display and for sale. Every year this show enables the general public to tour the campus, speak with the student artists and purchase affordable stocking stuffers and Holiday gifts - at affordable prices. Sales support the students themselves and help in their educative process for product production and marketing as well. View or purchase jewelry, ceramics, photography, graphic illustrations, stained glass, water color, acrylic, oil, pen and ink drawings and more!

Featured duCret Alumni, Tommy Athanasiou

Tommy Athanasiou is a 1986 graduate of The Ducret School of Art and has been a Creative Art Director and illustrator in both NYC and South Florida for the past 28 years. He is an accomplished painter specializing in pop art style pet portraits (www.TommyPopArt.com), and the creator and artist of PitbullShirt.com, which features pitbull-positive clothing and accessories. 10% of all T-shirt proceeds are donated to non-profit pitbull rescues each month. 

Late summer of 2009 brought an unexpected turn for Tommy, when his wife, Sharon, informed him of a terribly abused and injured pitbull named Smokey, who was being nursed back to health in California. With fundraising needed to help with sky-high vet bills, Smokey’s caretaker planned an auction of various items. Knowing her husband’s artistic talent could help out the pup, she volunteered Tommy to do a hand painted portrait of Smokey as an auction item. Tommy enthusiastically completed the pop art rendition of Smokey, excited to see how much it could bring in to help the brave pooch. Ultimately, the painting raised $300 for Smokey’s vet bills. Tommy was beyond ecstatic. But he wasn’t quite able to put the paint brushes down yet. 

Requests for dog portraits began streaming in from people who saw Smokey’s artwork. The TOMMY POP ART Studio was born. (TOMMYPOPART.COM,) Ten percent of every commissioned painting was donated to the non-profit animal rescue organization of the customer’s choice. And the more paintings Tommy created, the greater the demand grew....which was just fine for Tommy, since that meant more money donated to rescue.

The decision was made to focus all his time to this next chapter of his career. PITBULLSHIRT.COM was created to raise awareness about the plight of the pitbull, spread the message of rescue & adoption, and generate funds for pitbull rescue & advocacy non-profit organizations.All of his designs are positive and fun, and are great conversation-starters for those who enjoy pitbulls!