Michael Steddum

My oil paintings are transparent vessels representing people or situations we find ourselves in. The narrative for each painting is positive and often humorous, providing an additional layer of discovery for the viewer after their initial reaction of, “These are paintings?” I focus on abstract shapes, values, and hues to create a realistic image that people often mistake for photographs. Each painting has multiple thinly applied glazed layers, which increases the labor involved but allows me to achieve clarity with luminous color in the finished piece. I use a strong light source in each work because I feel this makes the still life radiant with energy. My goal is to have objects reflect and absorb the colors and light around them giving them a vibrancy that draws the viewer in. While painting, I utilize a technical skill set that I have acquired over the last thirty years. However, once the work is finished, I look forward to sharing the art and story of each piece with the multitude of people I am fortunate enough to meet at shows around the nation. Traveling to art shows and meeting people is an amazing benefit of being an artist, and is an important part of creating my art.