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.
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| 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.
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| 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”.
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| 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.
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Red Floral Cascade, 30” x 24”
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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.
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Blue Floral Cascade, 30” x 24”
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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”.
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| 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!
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| 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!
