Love This! The Women of Michael Carson

When I first saw the work of Michael Carson, my jaw hit the floor. I was immediately enamored. Although I find his paintings to be incredibly beautiful due to both the subject matter (figures, clothing, and textures!) and the colors that he uses (blues, pinks, neutrals, and blacks), there is also a coolness--a sense of detachment to his work--that I believe he achieves through his composition, color palette, and brushstrokes. His fuzzy edges and the way that he layers the paint, especially around the faces of his models, creates an almost ghostlike feeling in certain works--yet, there is also a great sense of movement and personality to the pieces, as well. 

Obviously, you know by now how much I love paintings of clothing and textures, so his work is right up my alley. It's also very modern and fashionable, wouldn't you agree, ladies? 

So take a look below and let me know your thoughts...

"Pink Dress"

Although I couldn't find the title of this piece, I do know that it depicts a bunch of models backstage at a fashion show...

"Blue Chair"

"Barely Interested"

"Long"

"Breeze"

"Black Towel Beach"

"In Your Face Subtlety"

Ugh! I can't get enough! You can see more of Carson's work here. And yes, he does paint men, as well, but the ladies are definitely my favorites (probably because of all the dresses, colors, and accessories...). 

I also really like what he says about his work: 

“My work is first and foremost figurative studies. It’s what I like to paint, my biggest challenge and my greatest payoff. My nondescript surroundings help me create a mood or a story that I am trying to relay through my painting. Inspiration comes from architectural interiors as well as fashion and my work allows me to explore and explain this side of myself. Seeing how the work evolves, the subtle and the drastic differences, and looking forward to the future is what keeps me painting. I view a painting as a success when I take from it something new that follows me into my next work.” 

I know what he means about "finding something new that follows him into his next work"...that's a very exciting thing to come across as an artist (a new technique, theme, or obsession...)!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine