Impressions: Michael Vance

My Creative Escape

About Me

Welcome to my site, ..

This all started for me in Mrs. Johnson's 3rd grade art class. I won a blue ribbon for my ink drawing of a water buffalo, .. I was so proud. I found out only later that everyone else in the class was awarded one of those same blue ribbons for their drawings as well, .. Bit of a let down, but it didn't dampen my enthusiasm, .. :-] 

I studied art and architecture in college before an impulsive switch to engineering in my sophomore year. I've enjoyed my career since, but I'll always wonder if I made the right choice, .. Hindsight can be unforgiving. My twenty and thirty something years were filled with the job, marriage, family and a general tendency to procrastinate, .. Very little artistic expression.

Several years ago, something prompted me to enroll in an oil painting class, .. Mid-life crisis, moment of sanity (or insanity), latent need to self actualize; I'm still not sure which. Suffice it to say that I'm usually holding a brush now whenever I can find a few spare hours.

I can't (or maybe choose not to) articulate the passion, inspiration or purpose behind all of this, .. I just feel a very basic need to create something lasting. I suppose you could classify my style as impressionistic, but my artwork is essentially an attempt to paint what I see. My first instructor characterized my approach as "deliberate", .. Nice way of saying "loosen-up!" He also said, though, that I have a "good eye" and that I should keep at it. So, here I am.

I can't list exhibitions, awards, accolades or work in private collections, but my paintings are hanging on walls all over my home, .. :-] Please feel free to contact me with any comments, critique, or questions, .. Thanks very much!