Artist: M. H. Ross / MICHAEL ROSS (American, b. 1955)
Title: Reclining Man
Medium: Original Oil Pastel on paper
Signature: Signed by the Artist, LR, as shown
Size: 30 inches x 22 inches (paper)
Provenance: Hatay Stratton Fine Art, Northampton, Massachusetts
About the Artist: Michael Ross is a multifaceted artist known for his work in various mediums, including sculpture, painting, and printmaking. Here’s a breakdown of his art style and themes:
Sculpture: Michael Ross is recognized for his small-scale sculptures created from scraps, unidentifiable hardware, and miscellaneous materials. His earliest works featured a single upright thimble containing dust from his home, showcasing his focus on the minuscule. Later pieces were inspired by Japanese fairy tales and featured intricate details.
Painting: Ross’s paintings often blend landscape and modernism, with a focus on close-up views of natural scenes. He uses a range of colors, inventing new hues by blending complex pigments. His brushstrokes are expressive, and he incorporates palette knives to achieve textured effects.
Themes: Michael Ross’s art explores the interplay between human, natural, and mythical worlds, emphasizing emotional and sensory experiences. His landscapes, often featuring Joshua trees and ocotillo, evoke a sense of rugged beauty. His use of color and texture creates a sense of depth and dimensionality.
Inspirations: Ross draws inspiration from his surroundings, including the High Desert and his 10-acre ranch in Morongo Valley. He also cites music as an influence, often painting to classical or rock music.
Style: Michael Ross’s style is characterized as “landscape close-up,” where he captures the miniature world within a framed canvas. His use of color and composition creates a sense of intimacy and wonder.
Notable Exhibitions: Ross’s work has been exhibited in galleries across the Coachella Valley, including S.R. Brennen Gallery in Palm Desert. His art is also represented by Ramey Fine Art in Palm Springs.
Overall, Michael Ross’s art is characterized by its unique blend of natural and abstract elements, expressive brushstrokes, and innovative use of color and texture. His diverse body of work showcases his versatility as an artist and his ability to capture the beauty in the world around him.