Michael Lombardi · Patchogue, NY

Fantasy Art By Michael

Watercolor worlds of wizards, creatures, and tales of old.

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

Miscellaneous

In his own words

The Man, the Myths, the Legends

Artist statement

Michael Lombardi, wearing a wizard hat, painting a white dragon in his studio
Michael painting in the studioPatchogue, New York

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.

The artist's paint palette and handwritten color charts on his worktable
Two mason jars filled with the artist's paintbrushes, with a palette tin in front
Close-up of the artist's paintbrushes

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.

Michael Lombardi seated in front of a wall of his framed fantasy paintings
Michael with his paintingsFantasy Art by Michael

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.

In progress

Upcoming

The Wizard Walks On

Find Michael and the artwork in person at these upcoming markets.

Flyer for NYSF Spooky Happenings Market, hosted by NY Solar Faire

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
Flyer for The Great All-Nighter, presented by The Perks Dept

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
Flyer for Moonlight Market: Night Before Krampus, hosted by El Churro Entertainment

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
Michael Lombardi standing with arms wide at his Fantasy Art by Michael market booth
Michael at his market boothFantasy Art by Michael

Monthly posts

Blog & Vlog

Blog · Coming soon

The Goblin painting's journey — coming soon.

Vlog · Placeholder

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

Bird Prints Loose prints

Bookmarks Hand-finished

Greeting Card Packs 12 blank cards with envelopes

Stargazer & St. Patrick Loose prints

Studio news

Join the list

Monthly posts, upcoming events, and studio news — delivered by email.

Get in touch

Send a Raven

Socials
InstagramTikTokFacebook
Handle
@fantasy.art.by.michael