Michael Henderson

I am an abstract painter born in the U.S., but now living in Venice, Italy. If you make it to Venice, I would be happy to show you my studio and my paintings.

My artwork is oil on canvas, and is generally done in what could best be described as a gestural or abstract expressionist style. Much of my work has no imagery, but once in a while some imagery will slip in. My painting is inspired by Picasso, Willem De Kooning, and Joan Mitchell.

My paintings are in three basic styles: gestural abstract with no imagery; geometric abstracts with little imagery; and still lifes with fairly recognizable imagery. I do not try to put any political or philosophical message into my art. I believe that each viewer should take away from the painting whatever feeling it instills. This feeling will vary from person to person, but should be pleasant. Art should also not be of "gross" or disgusting subjects, or subjects meant only to shock the viewer.

I continue to experiment with the point of transition between pure abstraction and the beginning of imagery. Some of my paintings have line drawings that make it clear what the thing should be. Sometimes, however, there is only a shape that may or may not be anything. Thi...

I have studied privately for years. ,