Artistic Excellence 2012 Competition

I was very honored to win 2nd place in the Artistic Excellence Competition this year and for the feature in the December issue of Southwest Art for my piece 'It's Time'. This piece is a self portrait and one of the most significant pieces I have painted thus far. It represents the point in my life where I knew it was time to close VW restoration business and pursue my art full-time.

Here is the article that was featured in the magazine:

What inspired your winning entry? I had a business restoring Volkswagen buses for about 10 years. That’s why I began painting them. Before that, I was pretty committed to painting the figure. Although I love painting my VW buses, I really wanted to create a painting that allowed me to return to my figurative roots. It was a simple idea that evolved into something much more. I had an image in my mind of what I wanted, and it made sense to use myself as a reference for the figure. As I painted it, I realized it was not only a self-portrait but also depicted one of the most defining moments of my life. The title, IT’S TIME, refers to the decision I made to take the leap and become a full-time painter. The act of standing in front of a canvas painting, and not in a car shop working nine to five, took the personal meaning of this painting to a level I had never expected.

Where did you study art? I attended the Bridge Academy of Art in Provo, UT, for several years. However, I consider myself to be a self-taught artist, since I knew how to paint when I arrived there. So, I studied art in museums, galleries, books, in artists’ studios, and in my own studio.

How would you describe your style? I work at keeping a pretty loose mark-making stroke, knowing that what I’m looking at is a very tight, angular subject. I feel that the push/pull or balance between those two concepts is the basis for my style.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you? I am a fierce fan of the Manchester United soccer team. I also built my own 1,200-square-foot studio. It took me nine months, and it was one of the most challenging tasks of my life.

What is your pet peeve? People chewing with their mouth open or talking with a mouthful of food.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be? I would be unhappy. Or a marine biologist.

What are your goals for the future? To continually improve, to avoid complacency, to push myself every day, to someday create a work of art that makes a difference to someone. Oh, and to be a good dad.

What galleries represent your work?
Meyer Gallery, Park City, UT; Walt Horton Fine Art, Beaver Creek, CO.

www.santiagomichalek.com

New Paintings - March 2012

Santiago recently finished this large piece called "The Shopkeeper." Although a fictitious composition this scene takes place New York City maybe 3-4 decades ago. Something about the shopkeepers face seems familiar.  It's almost as if he reminds you of someone you know as he is posing in front of his shop.  There is a sense of content pride in his expression.

The Shopkeeper - 48x60

If you see this piece in person the thing that is the most striking is all of the colors in the window. If you stand too close the marks almost don't make sense and then you take a few steps back and its amazing how the marks fall into place and your eye clearly distinguishes all the detail.  This picture was just taken with a phone camera and certainly any photograph does not do a painting justice.

This is another small painting Santiago completed this week.

Rio Grande - 6x9

You can see these pieces in person at The Celebration of Fine Art open through the 25th of March in Scottsdale, AZ.

Kirk's Figure Drawing Class

Every Thursday night you can find J. Kirk Richards teaching his figure drawing class in our barn.

We love hosting this class and it's been wonderful to get to know Kirk and see his talent for both painting and teaching first hand.

Art Slam 2011

Last week Santiago had the opportunity to be one of the artist to participate in the first annual Art Slam at the Springville Art Museum.  He spent the day painting a portrait of our little artist and meeting lots of people from the community along with other local artists.

Santiago is featured in this video the DailyHerald produced about the event.

It was a great event and a wonderful opportunity for Santiago.  At the end of the day we went to see the final pieces on display and our little artist was so excited to see that his daddy had painted him.

Christmas Gift - A Post From Santiago

This Friday, May 21st, is the first art show I will be having in the barn and preparations are in full force here. Details for the show can be found here and please know you are all invited and I would love to see you there!

Aside from that I recently completed the unfinished painting I gave to my wife for Christmas.  I had never painted Elizabeth before and it was a whole different experience (and pretty intimidating) to paint someone that knows me better than anyone else, and in turn someone I know so well. 

We have been talking for years about exactly what she wanted and narrowed it down to something that portrayed her Irish heritage and the work ethic of her ancestors.  We started at the local Hale Center Theatre and sorted through their rooms of costumes until we found one that matched what we had in mind (although not the color we were wanting).  Then we headed up the canyon near Dear Creek Reservoir for a photo shoot. 

We also took some shots on our property with the help of 'our little artist' and our newfie.

Here is the photo I ended up using as reference and the finished painting.  Elizabeth was very happy about the final product and the best part is we will have this piece to display in our home instead of sending it off to a gallery or show.