Fantasy Art By Michael
Watercolor worlds of wizards, creatures, and tales of old.
The work
The Gallery
Wizards, mythical creatures, and legends of old, brought to life in watercolor. Select a painting to see the full artwork and read its story.
© Michael Lombardi
The bird series
The Birds
Twelve birds in colored pencil and mixed media, each 5 by 7 inches. Select a piece to see the full artwork.
Bird Pairs 8x10 on black paper
© Michael Lombardi
Miscellaneous
© Michael Lombardi
In his own words
The Man, the Myths, the Legends
Artist statement
Artist Statement
My work lives where light and dark meet, where beauty and danger share the same space, and where the creatures of myth and fantasy are brought to life through watercolor. Drawing on the rich traditions of mythology, folklore, and fantasy illustration, I paint the beings that have captivated me since childhood. Wizards, dragons, unicorns, and goblins have endured for generations, their familiar forms carrying memories and meaning far beyond any single telling of their stories. I'm not interested in reinventing them. I'm interested in giving them a presence of their own.
My paintings combine carefully balanced color, luminous washes, deep shadows, and intricate details that give each creature its own character. A goblin's glowing eyes might catch the viewer's gaze, turning a moment of curiosity into something more unsettling. I study animal anatomy, historical objects, and traditional depictions of mythical beings, using real-world references to make the fantastical feel convincing. Watercolor allows me to move between subtle transparency and bold, saturated passages, building depth and atmosphere that make each figure feel alive. I want viewers to recognize these creatures from the stories they grew up with, yet feel as though they're meeting them for the very first time.
Biography
Michael Lombardi is a Long Island–based fantasy watercolor artist whose work draws inspiration from mythology, folklore, and traditional fantasy illustration. His fascination with art and the natural world began in early childhood, particularly through his love of birds, which he began drawing at the age of three. That lifelong interest in wildlife and anatomy continues to influence the creatures that populate his paintings.
Michael pursued studies in visual arts at Suffolk County Community College, taking courses in drawing and life drawing. Over the years, he has developed a body of work featuring wizards, dragons, goblins, and other legendary beings, combining his love of traditional fantasy imagery with careful attention to character, atmosphere, and detail.
In 2023, Michael presented Enchanted Epochs, a solo exhibition at Long Hall Gallery at Toast Coffeehouse in Patchogue, curated by the Patchogue Arts Council Curatorial Team as part of its PAC POV exhibition program. His work has also been selected for exhibitions including MoCA L.I.ghts, the Islip Arts Council's Dreamscapes, the South Bay Art Association's juried BIG WORKS at BAFFA, and the East End Arts Members Exhibition.
His work has received recognition at several Long Island art exhibitions, including an honorable mention at Farmingdale Village's Art in the Park and second place in watercolor at Sayville's Art Walk. In 2023, his painting The Dryad received third place in watercolor at the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts' 33rd Annual Juried Art Show, while The Nightmare earned second place in watercolor at the South Bay Art Association's 63rd Annual Judged Members Exhibition.
Michael is currently developing The Wizard's Path, a planned 33-card oracle deck featuring his original watercolor interpretations of figures drawn from fantasy and mythology. The project brings together his longstanding interests in storytelling, symbolic imagery, and the traditional archetypes that have inspired his work since childhood.
Beyond his watercolor practice, Michael is a professional hair and makeup artist and the owner of Mystic Parlour, his salon in Patchogue Village. A tarot reader for more than three decades, he has also taught tarot and runes, bringing a lifelong interest in mythology, symbolism, and divination into both his personal and artistic life.
When he isn't painting mythical creatures, Michael can often be found behind the chair at Mystic Parlour. He welcomes inquiries about art classes, tarot and rune workshops, and creative collaborations.
The Wizard's Path
Oracle Deck
The Wizard's Path — a myth-inspired oracle deck built from original watercolor paintings. An answer to a spiritual landscape that only wants one emotion: 'positive.' This deck is more balanced — not bleak, not cynical, just honest. It makes room for shadow, consequence, desire, grief, rage, healing, and power.
Upcoming
The Wizard Walks On
Find Michael and the artwork in person at these upcoming markets.
NYSF Spooky Happenings Market
Saturday, October 24, 2026 · 12–4 PM (rain date Sunday, November 1)
759 Long Island Ave, Deer Park, NY
Hosted by NY Solar Faire
Free admission · 100+ vendors · Outdoor market
Event Details
The Great All-Nighter — Black Friday Pop-Up Market (10th Annual)
Friday, November 27, 2026 · 6 PM–Midnight
Fireman's Pavilion, 555 Heling Blvd, Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Hosted by The Perks Dept
100 vendors · 2 DJs
$5 admission · Under 12 free
Tickets & Event Details
Moonlight Market: Night Before Krampus
Saturday, December 12, 2026 · 4 PM–Midnight
Long Island Marriott, 101 James Doolittle Blvd, Uniondale, NY 11553
Hosted by El Churro Entertainment
120+ vendors · Live bands, burlesque, drag & cabaret · 18+
Tickets: $10 presale · $20 at the door
Tickets
Monthly posts
Blog & Vlog
The Goblin painting's journey — coming soon.
Video studio — painting sessions coming soon.
Loose prints
Wares & Wonders
Choose any painting from the fantasy collection as an unframed print. Each print ships flat in a rigid mailer; shipping is paid by the buyer.
All prints are loose. Email for framing options
It’s a one-man art studio over here, so I pack every order myself and make sure it travels safely. Shipping & Handling is one flat charge per order, based on the largest print in your cart — add a few more and they can hitch a ride.
$8 small / $10 medium / $16 large
The Wizard’s Path 2027
Online only: the first 12 calendars include a signed 6×8 mini print.
If more or a larger run is needed, contact the artist.
Bird Prints Loose prints
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Limited run — 2 available
If more or a larger run is needed, contact the artist.
Bookmarks Hand-finished
Bookmarks
Limited run — 5 available
Each bookmark is finished with a ribbon or tassel; some tassels include decorative beads. Embellishments are selected at random and may differ from those pictured. Specific styles and custom requests are not available.
Greeting Card Packs 12 blank cards with envelopes
Fantasy Greeting Card Pack
Limited run — 9 available
If more or a larger run is needed, contact the artist.
Bird Greeting Card Pack
Limited run — 4 available
If more or a larger run is needed, contact the artist.
Stargazer & St. Patrick Loose prints
© Michael Lombardi
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- @fantasy.art.by.michael