Michael Reeder

"Dallas, Texas based artist Michael Reeder paints eclectic portraits that explore ideas about identity. Reeder is fascinated by the various characteristics that define us, and his works mix those elements both stylistically and conceptually. While his main interest is modern identity, the figures he portrays often have a classical quality. He renders their faces as if he were chiseling away at marble, redefined with abstract and exaggerated features with blank eyes (ancient statue eyes were painted or inlaid.) His portraits aren’t meant to be accurate representations. Rather, he considers portraiture to be more like a reinvention of his subjects, which takes place at their simplest form. Reeder relies on visual cues to characterize his subjects. For instance, some images are spliced in half with color or lines to imply the feeling of being torn. Other times, these juxtaposing ideas, palettes, and compositions are a play on dimension and style. Like his creative combinations, our personalities are the result of many facets and experiences that create a whole." - http://hifructose.com/2015/08/22/michael-reeder-explores-identity-in-eclectic-portraits/

Masked Ritual - Acrylic and Aerosol on Panel 24"x  24"

Master of My Reality - Oil, Acrylic and Aerosol on Panel 24" x 30"

When The Fire Goes Out - Gouache and Aerosol on Panel 11" x 14"

I was originally drawn to the work of Michael Reeder through his use of pattern within his work. I also really liked the mix of the geometric pattern against portraits and his illustrative style. I find his use of aerosol within his work really interesting as well, using it to create gradients in colour across his work. Looking at this I think I would like to try using aerosol in my own work, perhaps as a way of creating the patterns in my work combined with the use of stencils.