"As I progress in my painting, I hope to say more with less ... to leave the obvious vague ... and to paint only that which is essential ... this is my goal as an artist." Michael Defrancesco received his Fine Arts degree from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. While at the Academy, he was fortunate to have studied under some wonderful instructors such as Bill Parks, Vern Stake, Eugene Hall, Fred Berger, and the renowned watercolorist Irving Shapiro. At the early age of fifteen he was awarded the prestigious Robert Allerton Scholarship and while still in his teens was chosen as one of twelve portrait artists for Walt Disney productions in Anahiem California, he has appeared on television on The Len Petrillio Show, has had his work auctioned off on the annual PBS art auction, done both freelance and in house illustration for a wide variety of companies including The Combined Insurance Company of America, and The Boitsov Ballet of Chicago, and has his work in the private collections of McDonald Douglas and The Continental Can Company. Michael has taught Life Drawing, Oil Painting, and Illustration at such renowned schools as Columbia College of Chicago, The Harrington Institute of Interior Design and The Illinois Institute of Art. "My work is a synthesis of all my experiences as an artist and I have learned from the many great artists that have come before me"..." thank you to "THE CREATOR of ALL THAT IS" for I am truly blessed, and to my wonderful wife and family. I am truly grateful ... LOVE and PEACE to ALL."