George Anthony Penon Cassallo

I recreated this monstrous character, using the late Jack Kirby's style of drawing. Growing up as a kid in the late 60s, my joy sometimes came from reading and admiring the works of MARVEL'S Jack Kirby, John Buscema and others. To this day, I still find time to draw and even revise old works from the master cartoonists!

I'm a self taught emerging artist. Originally from Lima, Peru (South America), I arrived in the United States some years back (when I was all of seven). Proud of my Peruvian, Puerto Rican and Italian ethnicity-and of my naturalized citizenship as an American, I quickly embraced all that this great country offered. As a kid growing up (in NYC), one passion of mine was reading comic books! In a sense, that was my introduction to art. Cartoonists such as Jack Kirby, John Buscema, Johnny Romita and others were like gods to me! I was awed by their talent and creativity. And I realized early on that I had some artistic ability as well. Although, oddly enough, I never pursued art as a career. Go figure!

Today, I have a very different set of mind. I have a need to produce art... a need to express my feelings about things. I want to be able to communicate to the world via my art. Up until 5 yrs ago, I never painted on canvas! What foolishness! Lol! It's truly a passion for me now! It's such a rewarding experience-being able to create fine works of art-although I certainly am aware it's still a learning experience for me.

One day, I hope to write and illustrate a children's book-as well as create a comic book.

In the coming years, I will be submitting various works of my art. And they'll be available for purchase. Thank you all for your time.

-George Penon

This is a 5x7 acrylic painting of a middle aged man named Jose. He resides in (what is termed) "Spanish Harlem" in the upper east side of New York City. The work was done during this past summer (2007). Although it's a portrait painting, one can easily say it looks like an illustration as well.

While I did enjoy (for a while) my job as a civil servant, I realized at some point that it just wasn't enough for me. I couldn't see myself doing something for a long period of time.. if I wasn't happy with it. I decided to make a career change.. I felt that I needed to fulfill my hunger for creativity. I knew that now was the time to make a change. I'm eagerly looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead.

While I am just starting out.. and haven't "gotten my feet wet" just yet, I truly feel the next few years will be quite fruitful and rewarding.