I’m fascinated with biomorphic shapes that are repeated throughout the infinite smallness and infinite bigness of everything. Within that context, I think of myself as a landscape artist exploring new possibilities of surreal and unique flora and fauna. Everything is unique cast bronze, lost wax method.  All pieces are one of a kind.

In between the abstract and realism, I change the common nature and social environments to explore the freedom of the visual imagination. I used simple compositions and subjects to bring up the illusion that prevent realistic forms. Patterns with both different and familiar colors on the surface portray the direction or the movement of the work. I execute and combine the complexity of the structure to investigate the relationship between dominant elements, ultimately producing the desired three-dimensional effect.

Inspired by an enduring love of the natural world and the vitality that constantly surrounds us in the movements, interrelationships and cycles of nature.  Artfully forged, formed, fabricated and textured in 14k &18k golds to capture a bit of that enduring beauty and expression to share with the wearer.

http://www.bendyerjewelry.com/index.php

FILM PHOTOGRAPHY - non manipulated Analog style for a digital world is the philosophy for my artwork. Working with black and white film in 35mm and 120mm format, along with infrared film, my photography stands apart from the typical, gee I bought a expensive digital camera therefore I am a photographer element that runs rampant at art festivals and threaten all that is holy… Working with 35mm film bodies and $25 plastic Holga and Brownie cameras, I try to capture everyday elements of the world in a different perspective… with a decade of traditional hand coloring under my belt, I now airbrush the color digitally because of the detail that can be obtained…. all photographs are non-manipulate and never staged or set up…they are all out there waiting to be discovered….

http://www.highfidelitydisco.com/

My works are pastel paintings on dark textured paper.  I employ a dark to light technique. My special strengths are a smart use of color and composition that gives the viewer a sense of movement in the painting. My subject matter is mostly landscape and floral motifs.

http://www.landscapesinpastel.com/

My mission is to reveal the inner beauty of wood with one-of-a-kind shapes that highlight natural characteristics often unseen.
My inspiration is drawn from nature. I allow the natural grain patterns and structure of the wood to influence the final design of the piece. I harvest most of my wood from the local Ann Arbor area, primarily from trees that have fallen from severe weather, natural causes, and land development. The domestic wood I use is often complimented with accents of exotic wood to create a one-of-a-kind composition.
I finish my works of turned art with lacquer, or a combination of non-toxic oils and wax. My pieces include bowls, boxes, urns, vessels, and wall hangings ranging from finger tip size up to 30″ in diameter.

My equipment is simple: a digital camera and a tripod.  I try to shoot when the light is right, taking lots of pictures once I get started.  Working thoroughly with a subject is a habit I’ve gained from experience.  I’ve found that spending an extra few minutes with the subject in changing light while refining the composition can make a significant difference in the result.   I often return to a location a third and fourth time since I tend to stick with a subject once it’s caught my attention.

The subject matter that attracts me is varied and probably always will be, as new things catch my interest.   Some of the images are from planned trips, others are fortunate accidents resulting from being in the right place under the right light at the right time.

My interest in photography goes back to my military days and my introduction to the darkroom in the base hobby shop.   When I first saw an image emerge from a blank sheet of paper in the developing tray, I was hooked for life.    After the military, I followed my passion for photography when I earned my bachelor’s degree at the Rochester Institute of Technology, graduating with my B.S. in photography with the help of two part-time jobs, scholarships, and the G.I. Bill.

Although I earned my photography degree studying classic film and darkroom technique, I switched to the digital process some years ago.   For me, it works better for delivering the subtleties of light that attracted my attention to the subject.

I travel all over the U.S. with my wife, Ann, showing my work at outdoor art festivals.    Thanks to this website, long-time customers who once had to wait a year for us to return to their area can check for new images any time.

One of my greatest rewards comes when viewers show enthusiasm and excitement over my work.   I hope to be doing it for a long time.   Thanks for your interest, and feel free to get in touch.

Michelle Prahler was born in Pontiac, Michigan. Her artistic talent was encouraged by many members of her family who included a muralist, botanical painter and clothes designer. After graduating with a BFA from Michigan State University she became a Graphic Designer for ten years. In 2001 she transferred her skills from designing such things as book covers and toy packaging to creating works of art. She now creates oil paintings on wood with collage elements. Many compare her paintings to the works of Klimt, and Hundertwasser. You can see her work at The Willis Gray Gallery in Decatur, Alabama and Art Festivals held mainly in Atlanta and Detriot. She lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia.

Growing up outside of Cleveland Ohio in a musical family, my Mom and Dad provided my 3 sisters and myself with a strong appreciation for the joy of creative effort, and the value of art and music in the human experience. For this, and much more I will always be grateful.

A National Scholastics Art Scholarship winner, and Honors graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, I have spent my professional life as a portrait artist, illustrator, graphic designer/art director and for 15 years as co-founder and creative director of Successories Inc.

Having accomplished all I wanted to in the commercial art world, it was time for me to embark on a new journey…the journey of an artist whose expressions are more personal, and directed only from within. Over the last 12 years, my wife and I had traveled often to New Mexico, and during these trips, I became inspired by the range and density of color found in the texture of the high desert landscape. For me, it was like seeing the world through new eyes, and helped inspire my new use of color.

In the last 6 years I have been enjoying much success exhibiting in art shows, galleries and art festivals around the country, showing and selling my ‘abstract impressionist’ landscapes. This success and the face to face relationships I am able to develop with my collectors’ inspires me to paint even more enthusiastically than before. The connection I have developed with the medium of soft pastels is a connection I get from no other medium, and when I am working, I feel as if I am painting with the earth itself. My landscape and still life impressions all come from simple memories of moments and places, and are all created with a spirit of joy.

On a more personal note, I am the proud father of a warm-hearted 17 year old girl named Taylor whose passion is anything having to do with animals. Cassandra my wife, creative companion, and best friend has been my inspiration since 1989, and we live in Wheaton Illinois with our 2 dogs ‘Winston and Titleist. Our Black Pug ‘Waldo’ passed away this year leaving us with 14 years of fond memories.

http://www.michaelmckeegallery.com