Why the .45? Print

Artist Statement: As a contemporary painter and printmaker, I combine contrasting techniques into my pieces with a slight nudge for viewers to look at things differently. Much of my work is autobiographical with hints of humor, history, and time, and I frequently explore duality, class, and characters in an expressive style. When in doubt, I go with my gut, and it is not unusual for me to bring pieces to the brink of disaster before rescuing them. I thrive on experimentation and pushing the boundaries of mediums, and I believe this creates tension and energy in my work, which is vital to me as an artist. Artist Bio: Michael Doering (b. 1966) is an American painter and printmaker. He was born in Mason City, Iowa and currently has his studio in Reno, Nevada. Coming from a small-town Midwestern family, Michael did not have much access to formal art instruction, materials, or exhibits growing up, but this did not deter him from drawing constantly, even if it was on notebook paper with a ballpoint pen. Although he was not exposed to much art as a child, he developed grit, character, and an unstoppable work ethic during his youth. Michael earned his BFA from the University of Iowa, where he was fortunate to have studied painting and drawing with Ben Frank Moss and printmaking with Virginia Myers. He then relocated to Las Vegas but ended up taking a detour on his art journey by working in Education as a teacher, counselor, principal, and district administrator. Unfortunately, he didn’t pick his brushes up again until 2017, but he soon developed an international following for his work, and his art has been exhibited in shows throughout the United States, Dijon, France and virtually through Santiago, Chile. Throughout his life, Michael has had a love of storytelling and characters, and much of his work is based on this, but he has also been influenced by countless artists, including the Expressionists, Post-Impressionists, street artists, and various contemporary portrait painters.