ABOUT MICHAEL

 
 
 
 
 

My interest in urban life as a theme for painting evolved as I took photos on walking outings. This is now the main theme in my watercolour paintings of the city life as an urban landscape.

My art studio and gallery is located at the Welch Street Studios since it opened in 2015. I am open every Saturday from 1 to 5pm to visitors and by appointment during the weekdays.

I have original watercolour paintings, prints in Giclee and small card prints.

My studio is located on the second floor at 1178 Welch Street on the Spirit Trail, east of Pemberton Avenue in North Vancouver. Welch Street Studios houses art studios and gallery featuring work of eight artists.

 
 

PAINTING URBAN SCENES

My inspiration starts when I find an interesting subject while walking through neighbourhoods. This is the best way to feel the energy and take in the shapes and colours. Taking photos at the location is ideal way to observe and capture everyday scenes and understand the details. This way there is a memory implanted that assists me during painting.

Photo images are placed into an editing program, this is where I make the design decisions, there I make adjustments to the composition that enhance the scene’s story. Many versions and options of the colours and image are combined and adjusted until the elements are balanced and feel right. A print is made for reference while painting.

I draw the image onto the watercolour paper as line art. The painting process starts by light adding transparent watercolour washes. The painting develops slowly and comes to life by building up layers of watercolour. By adding stronger colours the image appears as starts to make more impact until the application of layers has the desired light and mood.

When finished the larger watercolours are adhered to a birch wood cradled panel and is sealed with varnish and waxed so it is protected from the elements. No glass is need and the painting can be hung as is or a frame can be added if desired.

When finished the smaller watercolour are framed with glass and the larger watercolours are adhered to a birch wood cradled panel and is sealed with varnish and waxed so it is protected from the elements. No glass is need and the painting can be hung as is. A custom frame can be added to the panel if desired.

Featured
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BIO

Welch Street Studios artists’ collective:
Artist at Studio #1 and Building Manager from 2015 to present - welchstreetstudios.com
For inquiries please contact me at 604-986-9680

Organizations I have been active member:

• North Van Arts 2020 to 2024 - northvanarts.ca

• North Shore Artists’ Guild from 2022 to 2023 - nsartists.ca

  • Fund for the Arts on the North Shore (FANS), Board member from 2015 to 2021 - nsfans.ca.
    Participated as a volunteer board member at Funds for the Arts on the North Shore a registered society.
    I assisted in the organizing of the fundraising events, create graphic design marketing and maintain the website.

  • Facilitator at Simply Drawing a life drawing from 2014 to 2019- lifedrawing.ca

  • Building manager at the Welch Street Studios and the Griffin Art Projects, 2018 to present - griffinartprojects.ca

  • Graphic designer, illustrator and website developer from 2004 to 2020

Mentoring

I have taught art to groups of young adults with special needs to help them express and enjoy their visual expression.

I presently have a student Julie Milano and assist her with her art at my studio and also assist her with social engagement and outdoor activities.