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

