About the artist
Michael Defrancesco |
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I received my Fine Arts degree from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. While at the Academy, studied under some wonderful instructors such as Bill Parks, Vern Stake, Eugene Hall, Fred Berger, and the renowned watercolorist Irving Shapiro...Although I have never have had the privilege to have studied under him personally, I must also state that I am beholden to the "Grand Master" Richard Schmid for sharing his wonderful teachings through his Books, Videos and Paintings...Thank You ! More than anything else, I am a Direct painter.
I am also influenced by the great tonalist landscape painters and am drawn to the mystery of that genre... The mood of their paintings along with the simplicity and spirituality of them, inspirers me to create and I often employ various aspects of that outstanding tradition in my own work.
Early on, I was fortunate to have been awarded the prestigious Robert Allerton Scholarship and was chosen as a portrait artist for Walt Disney productions in Anaheim California, I have appeared on The Len Petrillio Show, have had my work auctioned off on the annual PBS art auction, done both freelance and in house Illustration for a wide variety of companies, including The Combined Insurance Company of America, and The Boitsov Ballet of Chicago, and am proud to say my art work is in the private collections of McDonald Douglas, and The Continental Can Company.
Over the years I have had the opportunity and privilege to have taught Life Drawing, Oil Painting, and Illustration at such renowned schools as Columbia College of Chicago, The Harrington Institute of Interior Design, and The Illinois Institute of Art. "
One highlight of my life as an artist, was in July of 2007 when I was invited by Serina Manqueros, owner of the highly regarded Wendt Gallery in Laguna Beach, California. To exhibit along side of some of the most prominent artists of our time, Richard Schmid, David Leffel, Sherri McGraw, Albert Handell, and Karl Dempwolf, just too name a few. It was The Wendt Gallerys, annual Summer Salon show and, At that moment, even though I had not yet achieved much recognition myself, one of my dreams of becoming an artist was fulfilled. I will always be extremely honored to have been given such a wonderful experience. Thank You, again, Serina Manqueros...
Recently a painting of mine "A Restful Spot In Summer" was voted as one of the MOST popular in The Bold Brush Painting competition another real honor for me...so again, Thank You to ALL who voted for it...
My work is a synthesis of ALL my experiences as an artist, and I have learned from many great artists, those in the here and now, and those who have already moved on ... Mostly, I paint the Midwest where I live, work and call home. Inspiration is always here in the beauty of nature. I enjoy the change of the seasons and each day I get to witness the forever changing picture that nature provides for us all to "see"... Thank you, for visiting my web site. I hope you have enjoyed viewing some of my paintings. Please feel free to contact me through this site and I will get back to you as soon as I can. sincerely, Michael.
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