Michael Vires was born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1947. He had been drawing since childhood but it was during that last summer spent in his hometown, before entering the US Army in 1967, when he met Alfred Domene, a Master Portrait Painter whose studio was in Lexington.

    The figures in Mr. Domene’s paintings seemed to be breathing. They went beyond realism. They were life-like. When I saw what was possible with paint and canvas, I knew then what I wanted to do with my Art.

Michael is a self-taught painter. His work is realistic, yet the influences of the Impressionists are very evident. Although Michael has been accepted in National competitions and won numerous awards for his portraiture and landscape paintings, for many years he has worked as commission artist. He is often asked what subject matter inspires him most.

    It is not the subject matter so much as it is the constructive processes. It is getting to experience over and over the enjoyment of following through with each phase, knowing I am gaining in knowledge, experience and improving skills. For me, each painting is connected to the next one as stepping stones are in a path. One leads to the next. From time to time, I realize I have reached another plateau of growth and maturity in my Art. Repetition leads to conviction and confidence. And that provides my motivation to continue the path. A forever journey – never arriving but always getting somewhere.

After his three-year stint in the US Army, Michael moved to Austin, Texas where he painted many portraits and Texas Hill Country landscapes. In 1996 he relocated to Cape Coral, Florida, where he opened a studio continuing his commissions. Since July 2003, he has been residing and painting in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Michael instructs privately in classical drawing and plein air painting classes. He also does demos and workshops in both subjects.

January 28, 2009 Charlotte Sun-Herald
Punta Gorda Herald