Michael C. Vallone is a classically-trained portrait and fine artist, with a primary interest in the human figure. "I've experimented with various styles and media over the years," states Michael, "but have always enjoyed returning to classical methods of painting. I find great satisfaction in breathing life into paint, giving both the subject and the work itself a sense of timelessness." This philosophy has translated well into the portrait genre, in which Michael has been accepting commissions since 1999. His past portrait clients include LeMoyne College, Joslin Diabetes Center and Upstate Medical University (Syracuse, NY). Michael has also enjoyed working on various private commissions, ranging from children and animal portraiture to still-lifes and customized wedding invitations. Michael's various works reside in many public and private collections.

After receiving formal training at the Ringling School of Art and Design (Sarasota, Fl), Michael received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University. During his studies, he was a recipient of the distinguished Society of Illustrators National Student Award, and was published in its 1997 Annual. In December 2001, Michael was awarded a Full Fellowship to the Vermont Studio Center (Johnson, VT), where he studied independently in residence. Most recently, Michael earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Figurative Painting at the New York Academy of Art (New York, NY). This intense and competitive graduate school is the only program in the country strictly devoted to the study of the human figure through classical methods, and is funded in part by HRH the Prince of Wales.