Why Melbourne figure Mick Gatto is happy to be 'framed'

Mick Gatto has been painted as many things in his life but nothing quite like the latest project he's been involved in.

Artist Vincent Fantauzzo said the chance to paint colourful character Gatto for the Archibald Prize, was the opportunity he simply couldn't turn down.

"Being a portrait artist, I find it an opportunity to learn from people," Fantauzzo told A Current Affair.

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"I'm always interested in people with a colourful background and there's probably not many people with a life more colourful than Mick."

There's an interesting dynamic between the pair.

Both Gatto and Fantauzzo say they are from the wrong side of the tracks, both are school dropouts, both are former street toughs, both box and both have survived multiple brushes with the law.

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However, Gatto said the public perception of him doesn't match who he is now.

"I don't mean to be a tough guy, my wife [actually] calls me a marshmallow," Gatto said.

When asked what his hopes were for the portrait, Gatto's answer was simple.

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"I hope he captures who I am," Gatto said.

"I have no expectations, because I've been told that he's a brilliant artist."

Gatto is the latest addition in a long line of famous faces who have been immortalised by Fantauzzo's brush.

The artist has painted the likes of Hugh Jackman, Julia Gillard, Baz Luhrmann, Heath Ledger, Guy Pearce, Brandon Walters, Matt Moran and his own wife Asher Keddie.

However, Fantauzzo admits when he told people about his new subject, "they would automatically have a reactive opinion".

"What people may know about Mick is not what I know," Fantauzzo said.

"I just know Mick for the person that's in front of me, that I've experienced.

"To me, Mick is a philanthropist, he's someone who loves his grandchild and his family."

It's not the first time the pair have worked together.

In fact, it was a family moment that first caught Fantauzzo's eye between Gatto and his autistic grandson Dominic.

"I noticed this incredible bond between him and his grandson," Fantauzzo said.

"It just had to be captured."

The grey lead sketch is used as the logo for Gatto's charity, Equal Access for Autism, which he founded last year.

The foundation aims to support young children and adolescents with autism and provide them with opportunities they otherwise wouldn't have.

The foundation is holding a gala event in April, where Gatto hopes to raise between $2 to $3million which can be reinvested into providing additional services.

"We're going to build these indoor facilities for autistic children, where they can go and play and their families, can have a coffee and relax and let the kids run wild," Gatto said.

When Gatto finally laid his eyes on the final portrait, he admitted he was "overwhelmed".

"I can't believe it, I keep looking at it, it's just incredible," Gatto said.

"It shows deep thinking and it's actually a warm picture I believe.

The Archibald committee comprises 12 people and with their decision yet to be made on which portraits will make the cut, both Fantauzzo and Gatto continue to wait for the verdict.

As to where it will end up long term, Gatto has his eyes set on keeping it.

"I'd love to finish with it. If I've got to pay for it or whatever I've got to do, I'd love it in my home," he said.

"It's something that I'll cherish for the rest of my life."