Mike Kupka’s paintings capture more than a likeness of the celebrities and athletes he depicts. He brings together all the ingredients necessary to make an illustration work. His use of color and composition bring his paintings to life, which is why he captivates the eye of respected art critics, as well as sports and celebrity enthusiast.
After graduating from duCret School of Art, under the guidance of renowned illustrator, Peter Caras, Michael created a portfolio with well-planned illustrations. These samples attracted several companies to work with this young illustrator and the eye of U.S. Art magazine, who voted Kupka, “One of the 25 Artists You Should Know.”
Currently, Mike is working on several new paintings for Collectors Editions and is discussing upcoming projects with several companies.
CHRONOLOGY
1971 Born May 30, Rahway, NJ
1989 Graduated Rahway High School
Entered duCret School of Art
1992 Graduated from duCret School of Art
1994 Began freelancing
1997 First Limited Edition Lithograph was produced, Jack Lambert, with Hot Corner
Sports and Professional Sports Art
1999 Lithograph of Pete Rose produced with Strike Zone Promotions
Lithograph of Jack Ham produced with Hot Corner Sports
2000 Lithograph of the Steel Curtain produced with Hot Corner Sports
Formed MK Productions, Inc. and produced lithographs of Mike Richter
Achieved First Place in the 10th Annual Beckett Sports Gallery Contest
2001 Art Expo, New York
Voted “One of the 25 Artists You Should Know” in U.S. Art Magazine
2002 Manhattan Athletic Club Solo Exhibit
Commissioned to paint the cover of Beckett Hockey Collector Magazine
Private commissions
2003 Began working with Collectors Editions creating artwork for reproduction
2004 Gallery shows
Private commissions
more
AWARDS
First Place in Beckett’s 10th Annual Sports Gallery Contest
U.S. Art Magazine: “25 Artists You Should Know” August, 2001 issue
COMPANIES
Collectors Editions Professional Sports Art
MK Productions, Inc. Strike Zone Promotions
Beckett Publications Comcast
Hot Corner Sports Research and Education Association
LITHOGRAPHS
Jack Lambert – www.pro-sports-art.com
Jack Ham, Steel Curtain – www.hotcornersports.com
Pete Rose – www.strikezonepromotions.com
Mike Richter – www.michaelkupka.com
Disney and Still Life collection – www.collectorseditions.com
GALLERIES
Art Encounter, Las Vegas, Nevada Flick’s Gallery, Bloomingdale, IL
Manhattan Athletic Club, New York, NY Cel-ebration Gallery, Red Bank, NJ
Rossmyer Gallery, Glendora, CA Frames On Main, Chatham, NJ
Hands of Time, Savage Mills, MD Basile~Spingarn Gallery, Matawan, NJ
PERIODICALS/ONLINE ARTICLES
U.S Art Magazine Beckett Baseball Max Notes
Art Business News Beckett Hockey The Star Ledger
Western Interiors Weird N.J. Asbury Park Press
Disney Magazine Pittsburgh Steelers Digest Home News Tribune
Exclusive Magazine Blue Shirt Bulletin Gazette.Net
TV APPEARANCES
News 12 New Jersey
BENEFITS
Ronald McDonald House of New York
North Providence Boys and Girls Club