Following traditional methods, Michael sculpts in clay and brings a portrait to life. The finished work is beautifully rendered in bronze, capturing not only the likeness, but also the presence of the individual.
Recognized for these qualities, Michael's portraits have been accepted into many juried shows, earning numerous awards. He has completed sculpture commissions for esteemed leaders and loved ones in many countries.
You can view or purchase portraits Michael has created, or commission Michael to create a portrait of someone you want to honor in your family or organization.
Senator Ted Kennedy, Bronze
Portrait Sculpture
by
Michael Alfano
Wyatt, Hydrostone
Multiple castings of the sculpture can be made, even in different materials, such as hydrostone shown here.
O. P. Jindal, Bronze
Shri. O. P. Jindal built the Jindal Group conglomerate, was a member of Parliment in India, and founded the Jindal Charitable Trust.
Lt. William Maxwell, Bronze
This sculpture was commissioned to honor the heroic actions of Lt. William C. Maxwell, for whom Maxwell Air Force Base was named.
President Barack Obama, Hydrostone
Zion Union Heritage Museum, Hyannis, MA
Inspired by Barack Obama, Michael created this portriat bust to commemorate the historic inauguration in 2009.
Anwar Sadat, Cold Cast Copper
Peace Studies Institute, Maryland
Commissioned by Camilla Sadat, daughter of the late Egyptian leader, the sculpture was created based on photos and her memories.
Arnie Snider III, Bronze
Unveiling at the Met
Snider received this surprise gift at his retirement gala in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, from Deerfield Management, the hedge fund group he founded.
Full Length Portrait Sculptures by Michael Alfano - Monuments to Miniatures
Michael has also created full length portraits of historic figures as public monuments. From the full length sculpture, he can also create and cast a portrait bust. Michael has sculpted miniature size figures as limited edition collectibles.
- George V. Brown, at the starting line of the Boston Marathon
- Daniel Weadock, at The International
- Mother Clelia Merloni, at the Provincial House
- Walt Whitman, at the East Meadow Libray
- "Mean" Joe Greene, Pittsburgh Steeler and Superbowl champion
Mother Clelia Merloni
Full length portrait
About the Process
Michael typically requires three to five sittings to complete a portrait, although it can be done from good-quality photographs if necessary. Sittings are at his studio, or at the subject's home or office.
At the first session, Michael takes photographs and measurements of the subject's head and face to ensure the accuracy of the life-size portrait. During the three to four hours at each sitting, Michael will get to know the subject, which helps him incorporate their personality into the portrait. Between sessions, Michael works on the sculpture in his studio.
When the subject and Michael are satisfied with the clay sculpture, it is ready for casting. The original casting material is typically bronze, with a choice of patinas. Cold cast copper can also be used for a primary casting. The entire process usually takes three to six months, but if necessary, shorter timeframes are negotiable.
