Mario Belcastro was born in 1951.His eclectic education led him to three art schools and two universities, starting at Youngstown University and finishing at Carnegie-Mellon University.

Raised in the steeltown of Pittsburgh, PA, he worked with this father and two brothers in the construction business. Not exactly work that suited his temperment, he left for the West Coast. Studying briefly in California at Aptos College, then moving on to Seattle where he studied at the News School of visual Concepts. After six years of moving around took its toll he moved back to Pittsburgh where he worked as a freelance illustrator and designer, studying at the Ivy School of Art.

Many artists led him to his personal visions of art. The list would include Albrecht Durer, Jan Van Eyck, William Blake, Dali, George Tooker, and too many contemporary artists to list.

Aside from a few illustrations, most of these works have never been shown to anyone, but for a few friends and family. Due to the unitmely death of a younger brother, and the urging of his family, this recluse is finally coming of his artistic shell.

Mario Belcastro continues to work and paint in themes that fascinate him; the spiritual, mystical, and whimsical.