Michael Coates | Art Blog

New Blog

2010-10-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Attention! I have moved to a new blog platform. Please go HERE!

Cover Shot

2010-05-20T12:34:00.001-07:00

The vogue ladies behind Haute Apple Pie (HAP), have been overwhelmingly supportive of my art. I've been able to work with them on a few photo shoots for their amazing blog and they have even been kind enough to pose for some of my paintings.

Their stylish tips, modern aesthetic, and delicious ideas keep an ever-growing number of fans tuning in each week. They have gained such a following, that local business have begun to take notice.

Outpost recently featured HAP as the cover story in their magazine and online. The photo coincidentally was taken my me. So thank you to Katie, Stephanie and Anne for not only being creative inspirations yourselves, but for all of your support. I look forward to watching the HAP empire grow ... Martha had better watch out!

Art for Charity Auction

2010-04-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

I've donated five pieces for an auction for the Westside Healthcare Association Gallery night this Friday, April 16th 2010. It's going to be a really neat event with a large number of local and talented artists. There will be silent bidding for everything donated thought out the evening as well as food, drink, and a raffle. Go to www.glothing.org for more info!

On the same night, head to my favorite gallery in Milwaukee, Caggio, and check out the unbelievable work they have now.

Here are the two paintings and the three photos I donated!

From the Last Show

2010-04-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to get a few photos of the last show on here. I'm revamping my website, so these will be up on there soon enough.

Saint Josephine

2010-02-11T06:31:00.000-08:00

This is a piece I finished a few days ago for the Eisner Museum's upcoming charity silent auction. The party to support the museum should be a blast. For more info on the event follow the link above and go to the "I Love the Eisner" event page.

This was done with Charcoal, acrylic and copper. The photo I used was taken by the amazing John Kenny. His work is truly inspirational.

Saint Josephine Bakhita is venerated as a modern African saint, and as a saint with a special relevance to slavery and oppression. She has been adopted as the patron saint of Sudan.

Opening Countdown ...

2010-01-08T06:26:00.000-08:00

With the opening just one week away, I am working diligently on the remaining few paintings. I will have twelve total in this series I am titling "Plume". Last night, I wrapped up a piece featuring my beautiful friend Katie. The photo below was taken quickly about half way through the process.

I hope to see everyone next Friday, here is a link to the event information.
http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=262022625335&ref=mf

Happy New Year & much love!

Another Preview

2009-12-13T13:17:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pieces I've done for the next show. There is still quite a bit of work to do, but i'll get there. Happy Holidays!

Whats to Come

2009-10-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a small preview of what I have been working on (she's very unfinished). It looks like I will have my next opening at Caggio Gallery on Friday January 15th 2010! All of the pieces in this will fit a still untitled theme - but everything will be dark, mysterious and monochrome. I'm exploring a lot of new technique with oil and will be incorporating unusual textures in these pieces. I want people to want to touch them. The other plus, I've been shooting my own models, so everything is totally original from the start.

In related news, I'll be updated the look of this blog and my website. Business has been booming and I want everything to reflect the more solid design aesthetic I have developed. Stay tuned!

Boy In Blue

2009-09-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

So I was commissioned to paint a friends son. She took the amazing photo that I worked from, and left the rest up to me. I added ginkgo leaves because in Japan they represent hope for the future. I thought that was a good symbol to include on this little guy playing in the leaves.

I'm For Sale

2009-06-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

I am now selling PRINTS of many of my paintings through ETSY.com. I am excited to see how this works out. The response to my last opening was overwhelming (thank you to everyone who came to support me) so I thought this was a much more affordable way to get my work into the hands of those who can't buy the originals.

Etsy
Buy Handmade
michaelcoates

Sold!

2009-05-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

I will be featured in a gallery opening next week here in Milwaukee at a new gallery named CAGGIO. I'm thrilled and honored to be part of this event and hope to have about 8 -15 painting for sale. This includes the one below, which as of today is SOLD. It's my first to sell from the show, and I am so thankful to its new owner.

This piece is titled "Clyde" and is charcoal and acrylic on pine and is 6''x6''. While the original is no longer available, I will have 100 limited edition prints ready for pre-order.

Native American Cheif

2009-05-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

I forget his name, as soon as I can track it down - I will use that for the title. Anyways, I finished this one last night for my Mom. This one was a fun challenge because I was able to use copper leaf for the first time. It's hard to tell in the photo, but every other square is copper with turquoise peaking through.

In Progress

2009-05-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

I'm painting this guy for my Mom. It's not only mother's day, but her birthday this month. I'm excited to get to the next steps on him, which include turquoise paint & copper leaf!

"Cheyene"

2009-04-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

Finished him tonight. I still need to paint the edges, but I was to eager to get him online. Wednesday I'm heading to the supply store to get the stuff to begin my next painting for my mama.

Final Website Edits

2009-03-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

I made a few final changes to my site & all I have left is to upload a few more of the design pages.

Website Update

2009-01-30T06:57:00.000-08:00

I've reinvented my website. I'm trying to create a site that will allow my collections to grow, plus add more features so that as I accomplish more work, I can keep it all in one place.

I'm in the process of adding a store. I'll sell both my art & photos on there soon. Eventually I'd like to get some handmade items like scarves & ties up there. You can also follow the site on facebook & twitter among others.

Cowboy Gus

2008-12-29T13:14:00.001-08:00

For Christmas this year, I painted Gus for my Dad. Gus was a favorite of his when I was a child. Played by Robert Duvall, he was the central(and most likable character) in the "Lonesome Dove" movie series.

Carla Number Two

2008-12-02T06:14:00.000-08:00

Here is a second portrait I've done of my dear friend Carla. I've been using some amazing photos of her, and I have been enjoying working with some new mediums. Hopefully I'll get started on the third and final of Carla after the new year begins. I have some special projects to work on before then.

New Direction

2008-10-17T07:05:00.001-07:00

I have taken a little bit of a new direction in my paintings as of late. I'm using charcoal and pastel rather than graphite. I'm also using less acrylic, and exploring more oil based and metallic paints. I've also decided to incorporate the dozens of line drawings I've collected, and create more organic backgrounds to the portraits.

So, here is my latest piece. The photo quality is terrible (I took it in a hurry with my phone). I'll get a better version up soon. It's titled "Departure".

Fashionista

2008-10-06T09:32:00.001-07:00

My best friend and I took an intro class to fashion design for six weeks not too long ago. I learned a ton, and while my skills in sewing don't compare to my friends, I still managed to learn quite a bit.

Since none of the items I created in class turned out wearable, I was determined to put my new hobby to good use. So using left over t-shirt knits, and some various scraps, I made this gray, black and purple scarf.

My goal is to learn how to construct some of my favorite menswear items such as waistcoats or skinny ties.

Barack

2008-10-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished piece. I ended up adding a little bit more a few weeks ago, so here is an updated picture.

Jordan & Elena

2008-09-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of shooting my good friend Elena and her fiance Jordan this past weekend for some engagement shots. I've never done photography, let alone portraiture as a job, but I thought it'd be fun and good practice.

I think they turned out alright. I just hope the happy couple likes them.

You can see most of the HERE.

The Miller Farm

2008-09-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

I was up north once again visiting my friends parents farm. It was a beautiful weekend with perfect weather for some photos...

See the all HERE

Obama Contest (unfinished)

2008-08-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

A good friend alerted me of this neat contest running through to the Democratic National Convention. So, over a few hours sunday night I began this. Unfortunately since I didn't read the deadline correctly, I missed the cut-off at noon yesterday. But the good news is that I'm still going to finish him this week, and if anything at least I got some new work done.

Farm Camping

2008-07-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my friends and I headed up to northern WI to do some camping. We stayed at my friend AJ's beautiful farm. I only took pictures for about an hour, as I had camping activites to attend to - but here are the results.

Click here to see them all!

"Hold Your Hand"

2008-07-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

I finished this guy rather quick on Sunday. It was so nice out this weekend it was hard to stay in & focus, so I brought him outdoors with me. The best part, I got on quite the kick and started two more after him!

(again sorry for the crappy quality. It's about time to get a new digicam.)

Arizona Hike

2008-06-03T07:24:00.001-07:00

I was home last weekend in Prescott. Every morning I went on a hike near my parents place up this beautiful trail near Thumb Butte. It's spring in AZ, so all of the flowers were in bloom, and the cactus has just began to grow their flowering buds. Here are some pictures.

Click here to see them all!

"Witness"

2008-05-14T06:25:00.001-07:00

Number three of eight. I'm trying to complete these within small amounts of time, such as an afternoon. I see these more as practice work than anything else - especially since using charcoal on the wood was rather unfamiliar territory. I still think I need to sand the wood down more.

"Despite The Tears"

2008-05-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

I finished this one over the weekend. I'm not terribly happy with it yet, but I'm glad to be getting more work done. The goal is to have 2 more by the weeks end.

Just a bit More

2008-05-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

I added some finishing touches to these two. I'm happy I did. The picture quality is rather poor though, sorry!

Not original

2008-04-28T18:52:00.001-07:00

These are two of three ocean texture inspired tiles I am creating. I've barely dabbled in sculpture - but when I saw a seller on Etsy.com creating these I was inspired to steal the idea. These are for my own personal collection - and I would have supported the seller, alas I didn't have the extra cash. Please visit Element Clay Studio & check out the amazing work.

This one is "Scales"

This one is "Coral Polups"

For Holly

2008-04-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

Finished this one on Sunday, it was a quickie. The random title is inspired by the song I had in my head the entire time. This is #2 of 8.

Back in Business

2008-04-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

Finished this one last night. She is one of eight I'm doing in charcoal & white pencil on birch.

"Behind Her Eyes She Whispers"

Creepy Barn in Appleton

2008-03-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

I was in Appleton this past weekend. Shaun and I went out and found this strange barn and a nature preserve. All I had on me was Black & White film. It was good for the barn, but I really just don't like B&W film.

See them all HERE!

Updates...

2008-03-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy & crazy start to 2008. I've been taking photos & working though - so I'll have some updates very soon.

"In My Heart"

2008-01-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

Just finished this guy today today. These are going a bit slower than I would like, but I am excited to begin the next one this week.

Utah Trees

2008-01-02T18:05:00.001-08:00

I recently went on a Ski vacation with my parents to Park City Utah. It was lovely and picturesque. Apparently though - all I could take pictures of were trees.

Click here to see them all.

In Progress

2007-12-21T09:08:00.000-08:00

The holidays have been keeping me busy. I've been working on this guy since November, and that is much longer than I had intended. Either way, I'll have it done by the end of the month. Happy Holidays!

The Park in November

2007-11-20T06:51:00.000-08:00

I was driving through Washington Park on Sunday. There was a break in the clouds & the sun made all of the trees looks just stunning. So I walked around a snapped these.

See them all HERE

My Tree

2007-11-08T14:13:00.001-08:00

I've been working on this one a while. I'd love to see this on a shirt. Please vote for me if you like it. I think this will be my last sub for a while though - I'd like to focus on some other art.

Damask v2.0

2007-11-08T14:10:00.001-08:00

I gave this another go on Threadless. My last attempt at getting this design on a shirt.

Gobble Gobble

2007-11-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

New Threadless sub. Much more "cartoony" than I usually do. But I just can't help and feel bad for all of those Thanksgivin' Turkeys at this time of year. Too bad they're so delicious.

Hard Sun

2007-10-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

New Threadless Sub (let's hope it gets approved). This was inspired by the Novel/Movie "Into the Wild". I suggest everyone experience both - they're life-changing.

"I Know"

2007-10-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

I just finished this last night. I may put one more coat of polyurethane on it still. (I like my art shiny). Anyways, I titled it "I Know" and she is #1 of five or six I have planned for a series. I used graphite pencil on the portrait, and acrylic with gloss medium for the color all on unfinished Birch. The photo quality isn't very good, I took the picture with my digital last night. More to come soon...

Apple Picking

2007-10-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

I went to the Elegant Farmer with a group of good friends over the weekend. It was a nice opportunity to practice with the new camera. Some of the photos turned out really well. It helps to have such photogenic friends though :).

To see all of the photos click HERE

Naked & Angry

2007-10-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

Part of the Threadless.com family. N&A develops wallpaper, ties, notebooks and other fun things based off of popular pattern submissions. Since my Damask print failed (miserably) at Threadless, I sent it over to N&A. I swear, those folks at Threadless are just SO hard to please.

Anyways - Check it out HERE

In Progress

2007-10-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd take a little break from working on this. This one is number uno of a series of six I am going to do. It is pencil & acrylic on Birch. She's nearly 50% done. I need to finish the yellow around her then I've got a couple other things to paint on. The goal is to be done by the end of the week....

Threadless Sub #2

2007-10-03T06:09:00.001-07:00

Here is another submission for threadless. I have a profound obsession with Damask anything. Thanks for your $5 votes!!

New Threadless Sub!

2007-10-02T05:46:00.000-07:00

I've got a new T-Shirt design on Threadless.com. Follow the banner below to check it out. Thanks for all of your $5 votes & support!

Large View:

More Photos

2007-09-26T06:16:00.000-07:00

I took a roll of film this weekend, just around my house. I wanted to play with natural indoor lighting, as well as the flash. Well, as you will see, none of my indoor photos turned out. Only the few I took outside seemed to work out. Even those few I'm rather disappointed in. I believe I have a lot to learn...

See all of them HERE

Unfinished #1

2007-09-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

I have about 5 unfinished drawings. When I start a drawing, I give myself around a week to finish it - otherwise I usually loose interest & I never revisit the piece. This however is not the case with Miss Fiona below. I don't know why but I am compelled to finish her. Maybe it's her taunting eyes ...

Subject: Fiona
Medium: Pencil

Abstract #1

2007-09-24T06:24:00.000-07:00

This is a painting I did not to long ago. I love the idea of creating large areas of blurred color and then using white or black to make high contrast shapes & designs. I've just recently began a series of paintings like this one - so hopefully I'll have more to share soon.

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Tori x Three

2007-09-21T06:13:00.000-07:00

This was another MIAD Project. We used Black Gouache to create 3 pieces. One just black & white, one with b&w and 2 grey tones, and the third with b&w and 4 grey tones. I really like how this piece turned out - mostly because it is one of my favorite pictures of Tori Amos.

Subject: Tori Amos
Medium: Gouache

Lady India

2007-09-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

I don't remember who she is. But she is a model and this photo was from a shoot in Interview Magazine. This was done in pencil, and was for a project I did at MIAD.

Subject: Indian Model
Medium: Pencil

Photos: Arizona Trip

2007-09-20T09:07:00.001-07:00

My Dad gave me his nice camera on my last visit home. I've taken hundreds of photos in my life. Usually your typical drunk-in-a-bar shots, or random group photos on road trips. I have never taken pictures for art sake. Well, now that I have my hands on a fancy camera - I thought I'd give it a try. Allow me to introduce you to my new obsession.

These are just a couple of my favorite shots from Arizona and a trip to the Grand Canyon. You can see all of them HERE

Imogen!

2007-09-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

I just adore Ms. Imogen Heap. I made yet another (failed) design for Threadless.com. This one however, will be made into a shirt - when I have the time & cash.

Threadless

2007-09-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

I've attempted to create a number of designs for Threadless.com. Threadless, if you are not familiar is a 24-7 online T-shirt contest. I've developed an obsession with the site, and American Apparel t-shirts. Hopefully one day I'll get something on one of their shirts. The three below are of a Frog from a Portuguese Fable, Hera - Queen of the Greek Gods, and my little shout out to Hippies everywhere. All are were created in Illustrator.

Geisha Lips

2007-09-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

When I read "Memoirs of a Geisha" many years ago I completely fell in love with the culture. I threw myself into the history of it, checking out endless books at the library, and even purchasing documentaries from A&E. I still have a deep admiration for those women, and their lifestyle. They are a beautiful art. This was done with many many layers of colored pencil.

Subject: Geisha
Medium: Colored Pencil

Fruits & Veggies

2007-08-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

My good friend Liz Lemon just purchased a house. So, I was commissioned to do a series of canvases to adorn the hallway leading to her kitchen. I was inspired by an amazing, high-contrast photo of an artichoke on a black background. So I decided to paint some fruits & veggies for her. I can't say that I was too happy with the results on these. I wish I had spent more time on the details, and I would have loved to use more textures in the background. But at lease my client was happy.

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

The Chair

2007-08-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

This was another piece I did that got me some attention. I think it was just because it was on a chair. It was a very fun project though. I completely refurbished the chair, sanded it down and heavily lacquered it in red. The chair now rests in my parents guest room, and is a favorite of my Mom's.

Medium: Acrylic on Wood & Fabric

Water-Colored Win

2007-08-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

This piece I created with water color. When I made it, I worked on this cheap sketch paper and I was just messing around, never expecting to get a finished product. Well, what you see is actually what bled through the paper, so it's the reverse of what I painted. This was actually a winner at my towns Student Art Exhibition, and was in a gallery for a period of time.

Subject: Sarah
Medium: Water Color

The Ladies II

2007-08-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

Just a couple more from my series of women. There are more that went along with this theme, but are in color, or such a different medium that I'm going to upload them separately. The portrait of Lauryn Hill did not scan in very well. It is taken from a slide because the original was stolen from me. I just don't like how fuzzy and blotched the scan is.

Subject: Fiona
Medium: Ink

Subject: Lauryn
Medium: Pencil

Subject: Sarah
Medium: White Pencil on Black

The Ladies

2007-08-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

So in High school for AP Art we had to create a unified portfolio. All the pieces, despite the medium had to have a common theme. Mine was portraiture, more specifically female portraits. I've uploaded some of my slides. There are a number of drawings I did for friends, that I never even got a scan of. I need to track them down sometime.

Subject: Claire Danes
Medium: Pencil

Subject: Fiona Apple
Medium: Pencil

Subject: Jewel
Medium: Pencil

The Uploads Begin

2007-07-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

So I decided that I need to get my art online. I have TONS of it, and it is all shoved away in boxes, various portfolios and under my bed. I need to start from the beginning. So much of the art I'll be putting up over the next couple days will be old work. We're talking real old. These are scanned in from negatives, slides, and sketchbooks. Some are photos of work because I no longer have the piece. Nevertheless, my hope is that this blog can be my own little gallery, to share photos, paintings, illustrations and all the other things I'm inspired to do.

Thanks for reading.

x
Mike