Artist Statement My paintings are a synthesis of color, line, form and texture. They begin as a problem of two or more color relationships to be explored through form. The form is loosely defined by a drawing that acts as a skeleton and ecto-skeleton both beneath and above the finished work. The application of the media to the painting surface is of utmost importance to me. The paint is applied with great bursts of energy, creating a surface, if I am successful, that is supercharged with texture and color. I work multiple, usually around 10, paintings at the same time, all centered on the original problem. This multiple approach allows me to go in different directions, very quickly building the energy that is critical to a successful painting. I strive to create intense, even and stunning color relationships that are balanced by form and texture into a controlled elegance. The challenge here is to create a vibration in the work that energizes it without separating. Biography Michael was born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois. While in high school Michael spent two years studying at the Art Institute of Chicago before going on to receive his B.A. in Studio Art from Loras College in Dubuque, IA in 1998. Since graduation from Loras, Michael has been exhibiting and selling his artwork throughout the Chicago-land area. In addition to gallery showings pieces of Michael's work hang permanently in corporations through the Chicagoland area and Iowa and have sold into private collections. Exhibitions/Shows 2018 • Cornell College, Two Man Show • David Richard Gallery – Santa Fe, New Mexico, Solo Show • Art Miami, Florida • McCormick gallery 2017 • Art Expo Chicago • Art Miami, Florida • Art Palm Springs, Florida • McCormick gallery 2016 • Art Expo Chicago • Chicago Paints • Art of Expression Exhibit Highland Park • Ohio University Southern Art Show (Group show) • St. Xavier University Art Show (Solo show) • Art Miami • Art Palm Springs, Florida 2015 • McCormick Gallery Solo Show • Art Expo Chicago • Art Miami 2014 • McCormick Gallery Chicago • Art Expo Chicago • Mars Gallery Chicago 2013 • McCormick Gallery Chicago, Collage Collage Collage (Group Show) June • McCormick Gallery Chicago (Summer Show) July • Art Access Gallery / Bexley Ohio (Group Show) May • Art Access Gallery (Group Show) July • McCormick Gallery Chicago (Solo Show) December 2012 • McCormick Gallery Chicago • Fresh Abstractions Group Show Summer 2012 Highland Park Art Center 2011 • McCormick Gallery Chicago 2010 • Mars Gallery Chicago 2009 • Mars Gallery Chicago 2008 • Mars Gallery Chicago, (Group Show) • Mars Gallery Chicago, (Two Person Show) • Artropolis, The Artist Project 2007 • Medspa – Oak Brook, IL (2007-2008) • Contempo with Roberta Markbreit, Television show • Bottega M – Oak Park, IL 2005 • Solo Show, Roaring Belly Gallery – Oak Park, IL • Juried Exhibition Around the Coyote – Chicago, IL • Bent Fork Studio – Freemont, IN 2003 • Solo Show, Artist Frame Shop – Oak Park, IL • Official Selections Illinois Artisan Exhibition 2001 • Solo Show, Molly Malones – Forest Park, IL 1998 • Solo Show, Loras College – Dubuque, IA Collections Dr. and Mrs. Don Clem Mr. Rick Eagle Tom and Carol Woods Dr. and Mrs. Ross Hausner Steve and Laurie Bergren Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Sisco John Finn Scott and Nikki Elza Corporate Collections PNC Bank Delaney Law – Chicago, IL Regenerative Solutions – Fullerton, CA Community Bank – River Forest, IL Botticelli’s South Congress – Austin, TX Caring Medical – Oak Park, IL Pilgrim Management Office – River Forest, IL Oak Park Park District Administration Building – Oak Park, IL |
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© Michael Hedges 2016 | website by Visual Impact Media |