"Jillian" Painting

A California native, Michael McGovern received his art education at El Camino Junior College and the UCLA Art Extension program. Subsequent studies continued in Germany, where he enjoyed a three year apprenticeship with Old Masters Instructor, Herr Alfred Herztfield. Traveling and studying extensively throughout Europe during this period, Michael focused in particular on landscape painting. Michael moved to New England in 1984, establishing a successful career as artist, illustrator, and portrait painter. His celebrated work as portraitist includes paintings of Walter Cronkite, Leonard Bernstein, and Henry Kissinger. As well as illustrating over 200 romance novels, Michael also painted and exhibited in galleries throughout the United States. Though Michael's style is often described as photo-realistic, its minute detail never compromises the overall mood or "gestalt," of the work. A master of realistic illusion, Michael displays his technical virtuosity in all of his chosen subjects. Whether it is a deserted beach at sunrise, a solemn sunset over an expanse of marshland or a winter's evening in the mountains of New England, Michael creates in each painting a visual harmony which deeply echoes the viewer's own awareness. Employing a subtle and sophisticated palette, Michael pays particular attention to the element of light in his compositions. The resulting works resonate with an atmosphere of peace, dignity and profound tranquility. In 2000, Michael's painting "Laurance and Mary's Place" was accepted and made the top 200 in the prestigious National Arts for the Parks Exhibition, Jackson, WY. Michael's work has been broadly exhibited, and hangs in private and corporate collections nationwide.