Michael Gerry

Lives in: Rockford, IL

Art Discipline: Landscapes, Portraits, Still Life

What is your background as an artist?
I have been an artist all of my adult life.  I’m fifty-four years old so that has been quite awhile now.  Although I studied at the Art Institute in Chicago and under various artists as well, I primarily consider myself self-taught.

How did you begin your career in art?  Was art always an interest of yours?
I actually launched my career as a portrait artist.  Portraits are very demanding but very satisfying at the same time.  Most artists that do portraiture frequently do not do it for their entire career because of the intensity. Although I still do some portrait work I primarily do photo realistic flowers as well as landscapes and still life pieces. The flowers take up the bulk of my time I guess. 

I was always interested in art and it just seemed natural to me to pursue it as my life work.  In addition to painting I have recently began giving workshops.  Although I have never enjoyed teaching very much I began mentoring and teaching Bob and Marilyn Tower about four years ago.  That somehow evolved into the workshops that I do today for students in the Sauk Valley area.  I currently do these workshops at a non-profit art gallery (The Next Picture Show) in Dixon Illinois and at the studio/art supply store of Bob and Marilyn Tower in Sterling Illinois.  I have found that at this stage in my career I really do enjoy the teaching (and learning) that comes out of these workshops.

What inspires you as an artist?
Many things inspire me as an artist.  Other artists work I often find particularly inspiring.  I have always considered Sargeant and more currently David Leffel as inspirational.  The environment provides endless amounts of inspiration.  I look particularly to the effect of light on a subject and seek out interesting compositions with a significant amount of shadows. 

What ways do you promote and sell your artwork?
I guess that the central focus of marketing for me would be galleries.  Hilligoss Gallery in Chicago and in Long Grove Illinois has been my primary gallery for many years.  Although gallery sales are the main source of my income I also do one man shows, exhibitions and now workshops.  Making a living as an artist requires a lot of hard work.  It would be nice if an artist could just create and sit back but that doesn’t happen.  An artist needs to be out there all the time.

What advice would you give to someone who is learning how to paint?
I would tell them to study the artists that inspire them both past and present.  Go to museums and art galleries whenever possible and really study the art.  Learn to master “values” by learning to really “see”.  Most importantly paint, paint and paint some more!  Practice is what it is all about.