Oil Pastel Painter
Michael Duane
Having been born in Kansas, I live and work in a state where the weather can change quickly from from sunshine and cool breezes to ominous black clouds and howling winds. It’s the perfect place for me because of my lifelong fascination with the forces of nature. This began when I witnessed a tornado at the age of seven which I always referred to as “fearful excitement”. After years of creating art with different media painting different subject matter, I had finally realized that using weather as my subject would put passion and life into my art. I traveled across Kansas following storms which took me through the Flint Hills, where I witnessed the great vistas of gently rolling hills in contrast to the energy, power and beauty of the storms.
Artist Statement
As I paint dramatic abstractions of my experiences with the storms, I to focus on the wonders of the skies while condensing and abstracting the landscape into a pleasing design. At the same time I maintain the identity and mood of a representational painting. I came to realize the Kansas version of the oceans and mountains are the building, towering storms over the beautiful, gently rolling Flint Hills. They can be beautiful, nurturing and awe inspiring and at the same time showing the awesome power of Mother nature of which man can only realize the fragility of our existence on this earth.
Let us know!
Interested in Michael's Work?
We have a few select pieces available at the gallery and can contact Michael for others or commissions.
