Fresh Paint - Michael Hussar

Summary

Michael Husser, an oil painter from Pasadena, revisits a piece called 'Twink,' which he had set aside a year ago. Known for his white-on-white with splashes of red, Husser shares his struggles with the intricate warm and cool tones in the painting. He reflects on his artistic journey, from painting as a child to teaching and being influenced by old masters like Van Dyke and Rembrandt. Husser discusses his work ethic, creative process, and preference for traditional techniques while acknowledging the evolving art scene and his desire to keep growing as an artist.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Michael Husser is an oil painter based in Pasadena and works in his studio.
• 🖼 He is revisiting a piece called 'Twink,' which he had set aside a year ago. It's an 8x10 painting, primarily white with a splash of red.
• 🖌 He graduated from Art Center in 1991 and has been painting for over 20-25 years.
• 👨‍🏫 Michael began teaching five years after graduating, feeling that he could address some of the weaknesses he experienced in art education.
• ✈️ He enjoys traveling for workshops, particularly in Europe, where visiting museums inspires him.
• 👨‍🎨 His early influence came from his father, who was a Sunday painter, and he started painting around the age of five or six.
• 🌙 He describes himself as a night owl, often working late into the night when it's quiet and uninterrupted.
• 🔍 Michael is heavily inspired by old masters like Rembrandt and Anthony Van Dyck, aiming to bring a traditional flair to his work despite modern subject matter.
• 📚 He advises young painters to study the old masters and avoid being too influenced by contemporary artists, emphasizing the importance of building a large library of art books.
• 🖼 He is currently trying to evolve away from the 'pop surrealism' style and move into more personal and less redundant work.

Q & A

Who is Michael Husser and what does he do?

Michael Husser is an oil painter based in Pasadena, California. He creates art in his studio and is known for his white-on-white paintings with splashes of red.

What painting is Michael Husser currently working on, and why did he initially abandon it?

Michael is currently working on a smaller piece called 'Twink,' which measures 8x10 inches. He abandoned it about a year ago due to struggles with balancing the warm and cool whites in the piece.

How did Michael Husser first become interested in painting?

Michael’s interest in painting began when he was around five or six, watching his father, who was a 'Sunday painter.' He painted a few works alongside his father, but later abandoned it and focused on drawing before revisiting painting in high school.

When did Michael Husser start teaching, and what motivated him to do so?

Michael started teaching five years after graduating from the Art Center in 1991. He was motivated by the desire to improve areas he felt were lacking in his art school education and found it rewarding to help students grow.

What is Michael Husser’s routine when working on paintings?

Michael has a flexible routine, often waking up, having coffee, and sometimes taking naps. He likes working late at night when the world is quiet and prefers to keep working without long breaks to maintain the flow of his brushwork.

Why does Michael Husser prefer larger paintings over smaller ones?

Michael prefers larger paintings because he enjoys working with larger brushes and achieving bigger results. Although smaller paintings are more affordable and easier to display, they tend to require detailed work that can be time-consuming.

What painting styles or movements has Michael Husser been associated with?

Michael has been associated with the lowbrow art scene, pop surrealism, and symbolist movements. However, he doesn’t pay much attention to these labels and simply considers himself a painter with traditional influences.

Who are some of Michael Husser’s biggest influences in art?

Michael is heavily influenced by old masters like Anthony van Dyke, Rembrandt, and painters from the Baroque period. He also admires John Singer Sargent and Rococo artists.

What tools does Michael Husser recommend for painting?

Michael recommends investing in high-quality tools, such as Treckle brushes, which he uses for both all prima painting and indirect techniques. He believes that better tools lead to better results.

What advice does Michael Husser give to young painters?

Michael advises young painters to study the old masters and avoid getting overly influenced by contemporary artists. He emphasizes the importance of building a library of art books and spending time in museums to truly understand the craft.