Mike Haubenstock

Japanese Bridge, Maymont

Oil on Canvas

16 x 20 x .75", framed to 22 x 26 x 1"

$700

The Japanese Garden at Maymont Park is just stunning. Here I captured the beauty of the red Japanese maples in a palette knife painting. Adding cold wax to the paint gives it lots of texture.

Artist's Statement:

I strive to captivate viewers with oil paintings of landscapes and still lifes using architecture, natural scenery, and vibrant displays. I work in a representational style, aiming to combine an interplay of color, depth, and intrigue. Each painting is intended to inspire, sustain interest, and sometimes to whet the appetite. Displaying an array of subjects and sizes, my still lifes play with colorful fruits and vegetables. Lately I have been using the palette knife to create an added layer of texture and depth. My intention is to maintain a representational quality while showcasing visible brush strokes and diverse edges, resulting in paintings that transcend mere photographs, exuding a distinct painterly essence. In my landscapes I use both brushwork and palette knife, with subjects ranging from fall woodland scenes to plein air paintings of nature. I am a member of Oil Painters of America, the James River Art League, and the Metropolitan Richmond Artist Association. I have a permanent exhibit at Crossroads Art Center.
For the past several years my chronic back pain actually did something good and opened the door to the world of altered photographs. My strengths are seeing and composition, along with manipulating color and texture. Nature is my greatest influence and inspiration. Currently my Guardian Tree series is  continuing to be the most popular. Heading my Instagram page is a quote from Albert Einstein…”creativity is contagious, pass it on”.