Original Cozumel Natural Aquarium Painting

Pastel

23" x 20"

Framed

Artist Michael McFarland created piece in Cozumel, Mexico.

Michael McFarland Art Website

Michael McFarland was born and raised in central Pennsylvania and continues to live and paint there today. His paintings are inspired by a love of the outdoors and the new ideas which develop over the course of frequent hiking and kayaking trips throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the surrounding region. The goal of his work is to go beyond the simple construction of appealing landscapes or records of travel encounters, with each painting offering another, far more subtle level of meaning. Michael's paintings utilize elements which explore the emotions and issues which we all encounter in our lives … love, joy, fear, anticipation, disappointment, regret, change, hope, and renewal. The images are derived from a combination of sketches from life, reference photos, memory, and imagination.

Even casual observers notice that Michael's watercolors are far from typical in style and appearance, an intentional effect which results from pushing the medium by adding large amounts of pigment to create strong darks. Many of the paintings portray scenes of night and fading light, a fascinating time of day that often ads a certain element of mystery and melancholy. Of course, liberties must be taken with the light when painting subjects in this manner.

Michael sees the natural world as an active entity which is constantly changing and renewing itself. While it may seem quiet and beautiful at times, it is also a world of uncertainty and underlying danger. He enjoys showing the haunting and somewhat lonely side of nature viewed through the cycles of day and night, the changing seasons, and life and death. The subjects symbolize the contrasts between safety and vulnerability, love and loss, and the disappointment of missed opportunities versus the promise of those yet to come.