Another Decor Option: Collecting Original Art

By T.J. Clemente

There are many ways to decorate the interior of your home, but one of the best investments you can make is original art. Let's face it, if you have great art in your home, you don't need much else.

A favorite destination for art collectors is the historic Ashawagh Hall in Springs, where many local artists exhibit their work. Coming this March 28-29 at Ashawagh Hall, East Hampton master artist Michael McDowell will present his most recent work in a solo show titled "Raptures." This is a rare opportunity to see a large collection of McDowell's work in one place.

It took many friends and patrons to convince McDowell to finally show a large selection of his paintings, because he is a very private painter - a purist who never was focused on selling his works. Throughout the years he has been commissioned on both coasts to create paintings for knowledgeable art collectors. The California-schooled artist was influenced by the San Francisco Bay Area figurative painters, such as Paul Wonner, Wayne Thiebaud and Richard Diebenkorn, who all boldly used shapes, colors and motion to create a distinct feel. Painting almost 30 years in the Hamptons, McDowell has been influenced by the brilliant light, shapes and forms that are the essence of the area. His works are not narrow in scope, but seem to have a consistent tone that draws the viewer into the painting. His view of his talent is that he was born to create this genre of art. It is what he does. He is an oil painter who some have called a genius with color, using the full spectrum of light defined by a unique grasp of how colors should engage each other.

"In nature, light is color and in painting color makes light," said McDowell. This defines the philosophy of his approach to painting. His wife, Judy Lynn-McDowell calls him, "an artist's artist. Because he is a purest he does art for art's sake and it's who he is." McDowell agrees, adding, "I am lucky to know that this is my passion."

On Saturday, March 28, from 5-9 p.m. and Sunday, March 29 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., McDowell will be at Ashwagh (along with many notable art lovers) to witness the largest collection of his work ever displayed. It is a great opportunity to see this amazing work in this unique solo show. For more information and details, call 631-324-6620.

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