John Michael Kearney

John Michael Kearney is currently a student of abstract expressionism, studying in the New York School.

Artist Biography

JohnMichael studied architecture at Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota. While attending the U of M, he also began a serious study of fine art painting which resulted in several one-man shows most notably the show at the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis. Several of his drawings were also selected for a national touring art exhibition.

While in Minnesota, he won several prestigious awards. In 1993 and again in 1995, he was awarded First Place in the Minnesota Center for the Arts open juried competition, which featured nearly 600 entries both years.

JohnMichael is a gifted visual artist. Since the mid-80s, he has also been active in graphic design, web design, and professional photography. His photography clients include Northwest Airlines, America West Airlines, the City of St Paul, Travel Agent Magazine, Arizona Business Magazine, Ducks Unlimited Magazine, National Historical Endowment, Taliesin West, and numerous public speakers, models and musicians.

In 1997, JohnMichael moved to Arizona where he now lives and paints.

Besides, enjoying contemporary architecture, JohnMichael is a student of the New York School (abstract expressionism). He admires the work of Franz Kline, Jasper Johns, and Larry Rivers among others. He also studied the work of artists from the Far East. As a result, you may see elements of abstract expressionism, minimalism, the orient, calligraphy, and architecture in his provocative abstract paintings.

JohnMichael is fast becoming recognized throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Over the past 2 years, the artist sold over 50 paintings to collectors. Many of JohnMichael's paintings are in corporate as well as private collections throughout the United States and his work has received rave reviews recently by many collectors.

John Michael is a member of the Americans for the Arts, EBSQ, Chandler Art Guild, and Arizona Artists League. He was also listed in the 2005 Contemporary Artists Directory for Arizona.

Artist Statement

JohnMichael talks about his "classic abstracts":"... I prefer to use huge canvases and large brushes, rags and palette knives that are loaded down with color, emotions, and feelings. Energy and passion drive those tools across the canvas creating dynamic and dramatic shapes, line and composition."

On his Modern Neo-Dada:"... a reflection of my life. They are my life. They depict the loves, lost loves, triumphs and disappointments. They are the poignant moments of my life's journey...I use whatever is given to me. Toys, pictures, quotations, wire and string, common objects. The combines are not meant to be visually appealing, but they are meant to be visually provocative."

=Recent Gallery Exhibitions=
2007 - Jury selected for 2-3-d-8 Energy Gallery exhibit Toronto Canada
2007 - Chandler Arizona Art Walk

2006 - 'A Night With The Artist' 4 Seasons Resort, Scottsdale AZ

2006 - Art featured in movie by Hollywood Phoenix Studio

2006 - Day Gallery, Phoenix AZ, First Friday Art Walk and Show

2006 - Group Show at The Harris in el Pedregal, Boulder AZ

2005 - Artisimo Gallery, Scottsdale AZ

2004 - Hopkins Fine Art, Scottsdale AZ

1995 - Touring Drawing Exhibit

1995 - Minnesota Center for the Arts juried show

First Place Painting Division

1993 - Minnesota Center for the Arts juried show

First Place Painting Division

1992 - Federal Reserve Bank, Minneapolis MN

External links

*http://www.artneversleeps.com