Artist Statement

The camera and photography have been my primary means of creative expression for the past 35 years. During this period I photographed extensively all over the world in conjunction with the travels required by my careers. I retired in 2000 which gave me the time necessary to explore further the new technologies that had become available.

I initially focused on exploring digital equivalents of traditional art media such as watercolor and oil painting. I used Photoshop and Painter software and exhibited this work at shows and galleries as well as on my web site. However I felt a desire to work directly in the traditional media in order to fully understand the art. So I now work primarily in oil and watercolor as well as graphite and ink.

My paintings and drawings involve primarily man-made subjects with an emphasis on historical architecture, as well as old cars and boats. I still use my photography to gather reference material however I do plan to return to serious black and white photography in the future.

I pride myself in personally creating all the elements of my art, including making my own frames and printing my own images. To assure the survival of the work I use only museum or conservation quality materials. I print with pigmented inks that in conjunction with the paper or canvas that I use have at least a 50 year life without noticeable fading. I make my own frames using both domestic or imported certified hardwoods. Each frame is sealed with shellac in order to protect the artwork.

I maintain a blog (http://creativedialog.blogspot.com) in order to showcase my latest work and discuss my processes.

Photo by Herman Krieger "The World According to Mike"