My great dilemma at East
Carolina University back in 1970 was deciding whether my major would be art or
biology. I chose art and have since incorporated my love of natural things into
my paintings. My Dad, who was paying my tuition, was not real happy with my
choice. I had to fight hard to follow my passion for art.
Emerging Life 2, 24”x18” |
In the 70s and 80s it was a
struggle to find time and space to paint while raising a family with five
daughters. I used the attic loft in my Cape Cod style house in McLean, Va. as a
studio. After my girls had grown up quite a bit, my wife and I divorced and I
moved into a small colonial house in Silver Spring, MD. I used the living room
as my studio.
Emerging Life 1, 22”x28” |
One of my favorite paintings occurred one evening when about 10pm
I was hit with the inspiration to paint. I stayed up all night inspired by the
colors of a Tiffany lamp and produced “Luminosity”.
Luminosity, 4' x 4' |
For 17 yrs. I was the
Executive Director of the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC. I was
heavily influenced by the amazing beauty and grace of the ballet. I incorporated
some of that movement in the lines of my paintings.
Red Floral Cascade, 30” x 24”
|
Wherever I am I see colors
and shapes that I want to experiment with on canvas. So I try to have my camera
with me to capture the moment. I love the brilliant colors
and sensual forms of flowers and plants. Playing with them on the canvas led to
my cascading flower series.
Blue Floral Cascade, 30” x 24”
|
What excited me most was discovering everything
going on inside of the flowers I observed. The subtle folds, the hidden
crevices, the fascinating shapes. I wanted to bring them to life in a painting
that moved and swirled. Then I started
seeing shapes that looked like other living things and that led to the “Birth
of Everything”.
Birth of Everything, 30" x 24" |
I am now semi-retired and
living in Naples, Florida with my wife, Eileen. I’ve finally got more time to paint!
Secret Life of Flowers, 30" x 40" |
This is Week 11 of 52 Artists in 52 Weeks. Thank you for reading and sharing Michael's story today!
Micheal Beard ..I think your paintings are wonderful and glad you servived ha ha..write me a line let's catch up.
ReplyDeleteIsn't life strange? We are both painting again.
ReplyDelete