About the artist:

The works and images of Mario Fernandez continue to fascinate the very large number of collectors that follow his inspiring and passionate creations. Fernandez aspires to elevate the spirit of those who come in contact with his works, and he succeeds. There is a unique quality, a blend of realism and magic. Mario Fernandez was born in Havana, Cuba on February 25, 1946 and was imprisoned - for political dissent- by the Castro regime at the age of sixteen. In 1965 Mario found new freedom in the United States of America and started to develop his successful career. The work of Fernandez is destined to become a true American classic. His works continue to appreciate in value and in the hearts of those who have made this unique and gentle man a part of their lives. of spiritualism and inspiration in every Fernandez. Originals are in the collections of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, Her Royal Highness The Princess Anne of Great Britain, His Majesty, King Juan Carlos of Spain, and other notables such as Wayne Newton, Gloria Estefan, Janet Jackson, Roger Whitacker, Laurance Spelman Rockefeller*, Sigfried and Roy, Burt Reynolds, to name a few. On June 3, 1990, Fernandez presented an original work, "The Spirit of the Summit" to President and Mrs. Gorbachev of the USSR, as a tribute to "a man that has changed the world!". At the conclusion of the Desert Storm conflict, he presented works to United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf and His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Sultan Abdul Azis of Saudi Arabia. Fernandez has published close to 200 limited editions of his paintings, sculptures and collectible works of art. Although his best know work is in realistic images of nature, Mario's mastery continues to experiment with other subjects and techniques. The realistic, surrealistic, and nature art forms developed by Fernandez have achieved international prominence. Mario's fame is often illustrated through his representation of eagles. "The Courtship Flight" for example, was "Painting of the Year" in 1987. Mario states: "Over the past few years I have been fortunate to have created a number of paintings and sculptures featuring the American Bald Eagle. These paintings were not only faithful portrayals of this magnificent bird, but an expression of my deep respect and admiration for the nation that it represents. They are an expression of my personal gratitude for the Freedom that our national symbol has come to characterize both throughout the world and in my own life." Mario's masterful eagle works communicate undeniable commitment and passion. Some of his accomplishments include monumental bronze sculptures and a little book entitled "If I Could Only Fly." A full size sculpture of his "Courtship Flight" painting greets visitors at an office tower in Cleveland, Ohio, and another monumental sculpture titled "The Guardian" is a majestic larger than life eagle stands watch at the Minnesota State Bank in South Saint Paul, Minnesota. The book, written and illustrated by Mario combines magnificent nature portraits with compelling verse that comes straight from the heart.