Artist's Statement
Born in Idaho and raised across multiple US states including Kentucky and Arizona, Michael has always been defined as a wanderlust spirit. This nomadic upbringing became a fertile ground for his artistic leanings. His first recognition for his work came as a child, winning an art award during a Los Angeles county fair in 1953. The memory of this early accolade stuck with him during his formative years, weaved its way through high school awards in Kentucky, and blossomed during his time as an artist in Arizona.
As Michael navigated the various stages of his life, he began to leave his imprints on the artistic world, developing his style and refining his skills by working under different artist pen names in reproduction studios across sunny California. Despite having no apparent artistic roots in his family, Michael was wired for artistic interpretation from the start. The pull towards art was all-consuming, prompting him to return to painting after a hiatus in 2017, and approach his canvas with renewed vigor.
Michael's work draws deep from the well of his experiences and the surroundings he's encountered over his lifetime. From the idyllic landscapes of Monterey Bay, the dramatic volcanic eruptions in Hawaii, to rustic western saloons and antique Italian townscapes - each painting is a snapshot of the world through his eyes. His technique is a labor-intensive process, employing a wet-on-wet technique and often removing oils from the canvas to achieve the desired effect. The use of a palette knife adds depth, relief and a three-dimensional feel to his works, making them unmistakably unique and distinguished.
His artworks, though varied in subject matter, share a common thread. Each piece is like a testament to his artistic journey, embodying countless hours of deep thought, meticulous labor, and earnest affection. In Michael's own words, the essence of life gets infused onto the canvas through the rhythm of his paint strokes.
Despite his impressive body of work, Michael remains modest. He prefers to let his art speak for itself and declines to highlight any prominent collectors or specific awards. He finds the intrinsic rewards of creating art to be the most fulfilling part of his artistic journey. In the world of art, where recognition and fame can sometimes overshadow passion and authenticity, artists like Michael stand as a refreshing underline of the fact that at its core, art is about daring to translate the intangible into tangible forms, striking a chord in the heart of the beholder.
To Michael, art serves as a mirror to society, reflecting its heartbeat, and immortalizing fleeting moments. Like a visual poem, his work calls the viewer to observe life more keenly, to appreciate the world around them, and to find beauty in the ordinary. As an artist, Michael aspires to keep creating, keep exploring, and to keep sharing his love for life through his art. His compelling artworks serve as a testament to the true power of artistic expression and his undying passion for painting.
I use my creative expression to create many products, not just canvas oil paintings but expression of these and others such as wall art, wearable art, here you will see my Mikala brand Hawaii shirts. To see all products go to my web page Artist Market, go to my reproduction merchandise and print pages and click on the product of my expression can take you, enjoy.
Please continue to browse Michael's(Facebook) original artworks at this site https://artistspaintings.online and web galleries at Artist Fine Art Facebook page, other gallery: https://michael-silbaugh.pixels.com to find just the thing for your home, office, or gift needs from note cards, towels, bags, decorator pillows from apparels, clothing to prints on your choice of surfaces, sizes and formats. Try any of these top-quality print-on-demand products with a money-back guarantee. I really appreciate your consideration, comments, and support on social media. Come back often; new images are added frequently.
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