MICHAEL FRIEL has taught still life painting for more than ten years at the Gage Academy of Art in Seattle, one of the leading professional art schools in the country. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Washington and has shown his work extensively in the Pacific Northwest.
His new book, Still Life Painting Atelier, just published by Watson Guptill, is the equivalent of a foundation course in traditional oil painting for beginning to intermediate level artists. This in-depth book uses the still life as a practical way to master oil techniques. The still life is a forgiving genre as it does not require the likeness of a portrait or the accurate proportions of the figure and, unlike the landscape, it doesn't change with the weather. Instead, it gives aspiring artists ample time to study and the opportunity to look closer. It can be used as a purely formal subject for drawing and painting techniques, or a platform for emotional expression using personal symbolism and imagery.
We are lucky to have a selection of Michael's original work in our gallery through October 16, including the cover painting. Please join us from 2-4pm on Saturday, October 9, meet Michael and have him sign one of his beautiful books!
Michael will be also demonstrating his painting techniques in our Gallery Space on Sunday, October 10 from 2-3pm.
