Photo by Andre LaCour
“To capture my true, natural, lifelike aesthetic, I create a visual dialogue with my subjects by studying their expressions
through observations over time. The end result is a cohesive compilation of the subtle changes in gesture,
light and energy that I observe in a subject’s genuine likeness.”
ARTIST STATEMENT
I work with multiple human figures and portraits in a narrative setting. My compositions explore the dynamic between humanity’s relationship to nature with current social and environmental issues. They embrace diversity, celebrate beauty and synchronized athleticism with messages of cooperation and realized potential.
BIOGRAPHY
For Michael Van Zeyl, portraiture is much more than a one-sided translation of the artist’s point of view taking form in a subject. It’s an engaging visual dialogue that renders a soul in light, shadow and pigment, continuing the conversation for future generations to appreciate.
While subtle observation and technical skill are only part of Michael’s gift, his experience has honed his craft to understanding the language of painting. His talents were apparent by age seven and he spent subsequent decades mastering a wide range of painting techniques. In particular, 17th century Dutch and 19th century impressionist styles have resonated with him and surfaced in his own works.
His formal training began at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, continuing on at Chicago’s Historic Palette & Chisel Academy and the Art Students League in New York, where he studied with the most accomplished artists who also paint directly from life under natural light. Michael is currently a faculty and board member at the Palette & Chisel and has been the club’s most popular instructor for several years.
Michael’s work is already appreciated in many public and private collections, such as the United States District Court, University of Chicago, DePaul University School of Law, Chicago Theological Seminary and Delta Air lines. He has received awards from the Portrait Society of America, The Artists Guild, the Oil Painters of America and the 2014 recipient of the Dorothy Driehaus Mellin Fellowship for Midwestern Artists.
.