45 Years: Then and Now
Reflecting on My Personal Style
Claudia, 1978, 10B pencil. For a few months, Claudia was a fellow artist with whom I shared a Dutch fisherman’s house on the dunes, just 30 seconds from the North Sea. Her mother, a famous Dutch writer, mocked my paint-smeared pants. 🙃 Looking back at my drawing of Claudia and comparing it with 7th Day, 2023, oil on linen, 64x48", I notice a consistency in my style over 45 years. From the beginning, my style was never forced but developed intuitively, organically absorbing reality in a way that feels both natural and uniquely mine. Both works exhibit variations in line quality and natural proportions of the figure. There is also transparency and an absence of over-polishing in both pieces.
A few differences stand out in the latter work. 7th Day features more anatomical detail in the lit areas, and the subject matter is more thoughtful and dynamic. While transparency has always been a part of my approach, it is more fully realized in the recent piece, both symbolically and technically. It was fortunate that I was self-taught and gravitated toward universal fundamentals early on, which I have continued to use in my work today.
Michael, it's amazing to discover personal style through uninhibited self-taught, natural gifts drawn from within. There is something uniquely special about looking back and seeing yourself through your work. I feel this. It's stand alone. No amount of education can touch your soul.
Oh and the places you have lived and painted. Like the masters of old, you immersed yourself in your surroundings. And is that video a peek of your Idyllwild studio? Gorgeous work. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Your 45 years are worth a big celebration.🩵✨😘🥳
I think about the commentaries and biographies of famous incredible artists from the past and you are there Michael with the créme de la créme of the world’s greatest painters. Simply exquisite my friend 💕✨💕