Sleeping with an Original: Fine Art for the Bedroom

The Gateway Gallery is hosting a Reception Friday June 5 from 6-9 pm in conjunction with the Art D Tour. Voted as "One of the top 5 things to do in June" by St. Louis Magazine. Please come visit the gallery and see what not so sleepy artwork the Gateway Gallery Artists have been up to. Start measuring over your bed, because you aren't going to want to miss this reception!

Interview with Artist: Michael Anderson

How long have you been involved with Gateway Gallery?
I had a featured artist show of oil paintings called Painted Houses in May 2006. I was invited to be a member artist in October of that year. The gallery has gone through many improvements since that time in its overall appearance and operation, the way the art is presented and marketed as well as the general quality of the work itself. It continues to get better all the time. Literally thousands of people have seen my paintings there. It has been a very positive experience.

Where do you get your inspiration?
My paintings are produced en plein air for the most part so I paint what I see in the great outdoors. I try to have an eye for what might make an appealing composition however I often ignore my subjects and just paint the light that falls upon the landscape, architecture and people.



How often do you create?
Like anything else in order to be competent it helps to practice, practice, practice. My business as an architectural illustrator requires me to draw and render on a daily basis although much of that time is spent on a computer. I try get in some quick sketchbook work everyday. I have done a lot of drawing on Metro Link platforms while waiting for the train. I also attend a figure drawing session with a live model at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild whenever I can usually a couple of times per month.. Finally I paint each week outdoors (if it’s not raining) with fellow members of the Missouri Plein Air Painters Association. We meet at various designated locations as posted each week on the MOPAPA website.


Who are your greatest artistic influences?
I have been an artist for 35 years so my influences have increased as I have progressed. I could cite many famous artists whose styles I admire and have even attempted to emulate. I admit to channeling Van Gogh for a while but I made myself stop. I often look at my books of watercolors by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and Maurice Prendergast for inspiration. I am also very appreciative of the work of many successful artists working today especially Billyo, Charles Reid, Mel Stabin and others. But in the past few years I would have to say that I consider the artists nearest to me to have had the biggest artistic influence on my work. The plein air painters that I paint with, the artists I see at life drawing classes and my colleagues at Gateway Gallery are all very serious about their work. They consistently produce great art and are carrying on a great tradition. I feel like I am part of that.

Why is art important?
Viewing art can transport your thoughts and feelings beyond the paint and canvas to deeper insights and understanding. It opens your eyes and your mind. Artists may not be able to save the world. At times their work can be mysterious, disturbing even pretentious or silly but art can also provide comfort, inspiration and truth. The words inscribed above the Art Museum doors say “take refuge here.”



Do you have any vices for being creative? Dry martinis (Van Gogh gin of course, straight up with three olives) are a guilty pleasure but I rarely feel guilty. Also I can’t resist sketchbooks. I carry one around with me all the time and as I mentioned before I try to draw everyday. My latest acquisition is a Moleskine (pronounced mo leh skeena) watercolor sketchbook. In fact I am buying them in bulk in order to give one to each of the artists in my current workshop, Sketching St. Louis. Moleskines are manufactured by a company in Milan , Italy . Did I mention that I am pretty much crazy for just about anything that’s Italian? I am currently planning a fall sketching workshop in Florence. Would anyone like to join me?