Artist Spotlight: Michael Holter

Michael Holter of Plano, TX, is this month's Spotlight Artist. If you would like to be in the spotlight, please email your information to Anna at annarosebain@gmail.com

"Through Three Lenses," Watercolor Self Portrait
by Michael Holter

Artist Biography:

Michael Holter is a Texas based artist working in both watercolor and oil. Michael's work has received numerous awards and recognition and can be found in private and corporate collections in the US and several foreign countries. His current work falls into two categories: watercolor figurative and oil landscapes (both plein air and studio). Michael has been painting most of his  life, and has been an art teacher, art director and businessman in the fine art and commercial creative arenas.

Michael is a member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, The Transparent Watercolor Society, Southwestern Watercolor Society, The Society of Watercolor Artists, The Outdoor Painters Society, and the Portrait Society of America.

Michael says, "I think of my work as impressionistic. I like to represent people or places and allow the painting to evolve from the structure of the recognizable. The challenge is to balance the care needed to make the representation interesting… and perhaps believable, with the freedom, looseness and painterly quality that makes painting so unique and expressive."

"I have been influenced by artists such as Charles Reid, Richard Schmid, Burt Silverman, Frank Webb, John Singer Sargeant, Ted Nuttall and many others. Even though I have an art degree, most of what I put into practice is self-taught through studying the work of these distinguished artists."

"My wife Cyndy, and I grew up in on the wide-open plains of North Dakota and got to Plano, TX by way of Minnesota (I can paint a snowy winter landscape with the best of ‘em) and then Virginia. We often travel and I am currently working on a series figurative paintings and a series influenced by a recent trip to Istanbul and the Mediterranean regions of Turkey."

"Hay, You?" - 14 x 22" - watercolor - by Michael Holter

Interview with Spotlight Artist for July, Michael Holter:

1) When and how did you first became seriously interested in art?  I have always had an interest and a natural aptitude for art and music, but it wasn’t until my early 20’s that I focused on pursuing a lifetime of creative work. 

2) What is your training, and what medium(s) / subject matter do you work in? I have a Bachelors Degree in Art and a MA in Visual Communication. I have combined that formal education with careful work and study of contemporary artists and their work. I have taken a few workshops but am largely self-taught in many of the finer points of painting. I work in both watercolor and oils. Much of my early work was in watercolor and the watercolor portraits that I am currently doing have received lots of attention with awards, sales and recent signature status in the Society of Watercolor Artists and the Southwestern Watercolor Society.

"Rose" - 11x14" - watercolor - by Michael Holter

3) What do you express in your work? My work is representational and focuses on real people and places. I am very interested in light and the effect of light on the subject.

4) What artists/professionals have been your  biggest influences? Richard Schmid, Ted Nuttall, John Singer Sargeant, Charles Reid, Burt Silverman, and many, many more.

"Lucky" - 14 x 14" - watercolor - by Michael Holter

"A Walk in Istanbul" - 10 x 7" - watercolor
by Michael Holter

5) What do you do to gain new inspiration for your work? Lately, I have been painting plein air oils and some watercolors to challenge myself to quickly capture what is in front of me. I also frequently join a life-painting group for their regular paint night with a model.

6) What would you like to be doing with your art ten years from now? I am working toward refining the work and refining the market for my work.

7) Do you set goals for yourself concerning the making of your art? Many of my goals come from commission deadlines and show entry deadlines. On a less rigid level my goal is to use some time every day to paint.

"Time Passing" - 16 x 14" - watercolor - by Michael Holter

8) Are you happy with your job choice as an artist? Do you have any regrets in this career choice or things you would have done differently? No regrets. I know that I am doing what God intended for me to do.

9) Any fun or interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share? Art and music are a part of the creative aspects of my life. I currently play guitar on my church worship team and started guitar as a teenager. I played professionally for a short time in my 20’s.

10) Best piece of advice for other artists? Stick to it. Regularly go back to the principles and elements of design and evaluate your work. Try new things for your own edification.

"Trail Boss" - 12x12" - watercolor - by Michael Holter

CONTACT THE ARTIST:
MICHAEL HOLTER
Phone: 972-965-2078
Email: michael@michaelholter.com
Website: http://michaelholter.com/

News from Rail Station Studios and Gallery in Plano

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's College of Visual and Performing Arts and the UMHB Department of Art are pleased to present DILLARD3 an exhibition featuring the artwork of three creative cousins who have a special connection with UMHB, Doug Dillard, Don Dillard, and Gene Dillard. An Opening Reception will take place on Thursday, May 16 at 5:00 p.m.   The exhibit opens on May 16 and continues through June 26, 2013, at the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts Art Gallery. Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts is located on the corner of 9th and Shine streets on the UMHB campus, Belton, Texas. Admission is free.  About Us Gene Dillard Gene is a native of Bartlett, Texas, and graduated from Bartlett High School. He attended Baylor University, received a Bachelors Degree in Art from the University of Texas at Austin and a Degree in Fine Art from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. In addition to a life-long pursuit of fine art and painting, he engaged in a long career with major advertising agencies. Gene's mother, Ellen Ford Dillard, attended UMHB in 1927. His two sisters, Margaret Dillard Burns Behrens and Janis Dillard McMullen, graduated with degrees in music in the 1960s. And his wife's sister, Sue Allen May, also attended UMHB in the 1960s.     "Louise" Oil on Canvas 30 x 40   Click here to see more samples Don Dillard Don is a native of Temple, Texas. He graduated from Temple High School as well as Temple College, prior to attending the Texas A&M College of Architecture. He met his future wife, Camille Munk, on a blind date at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor while working for a Temple architect. They married a year later and lived in College Station while he completed his studies. Camille received her degree from UMHB and has been an active alumni since her graduation. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees.         "Stagecoach Inn" Watercolor 11 x 14     Click here to see more samples Doug Dillard Doug is native of Temple, Texas. He graduated from Temple High School, Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He collected many honors as a pioneer in church public relations and communications but is best known for his "Brother Blotz" cartoons and 30 years as editorial cartoonist for The Baptist Standard. He returned to his Bell County roots in 2007 to marry JoAn Musick-Dillard 72 years after she turned down his first proposal when they were 5-year-old neighbors. JoAn, a long-time trustee and benefactor of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, was awarded honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in 1995.       "Bro. Blotz" Pen and Ink 11 x 8.5     Click here to see more samples For more information, contact Gene Dillard 214-403-9171 info@railstationstudios.com   www.railstationstudios.com   Note: Gene also exhibits at Griffith Fine Art Gallery in Salado.

The Unveiling of the Plano Downtown Face-to-Face Portrait Collection (Click to see story in Plano Profile Magazine)   Took place Saturday, May 11 at the ArtCentre of Plano The ArtCentre of Plano is located at 901 18th Street, Plano, TX 75074 The Historic Downtown Plano Association, with a goal to highlight and bring attention to the character and personality the exciting downtown Plano district, has sponsored this year long project. The Assistance Center of Collin County is the designated charity for the downtown association and will be the beneficiary of the sale of the portraits. The reception on May 11 included a presentation of the portraits by oil painter Gene Dillard and photographer Gaby Pruitt of Downtown Plano's Rail Station Studios, the creators of the portraits. Remarks were offered by Frank Turner, Deputy City Manager of Plano; Bonnie Shea, President of the Historical Downtown Plano Association; Chief Brain Crawford, Plano Fire Department Chief; and Tanya Sastoque, Executive Direct or of the Assistance Center of Colin County. Portraits of each of these individuals are also subjects in the exhibition. Gene Dillard Rail Station Studios                                1013  15th Place #101 Historic Downtown Plano  (See map below) 214-403-9171    Portraits by Gene Dillard and Gaby Puritt    Scroll down to view a selection of samples of "Downtown Face-to-Face" portraits   by Gene Dillard and Gaby Pruitt  Jeff Sparks, Ye Ole Butcher Shop 20" x 16" Photogaphy by Gaby Pruitt       Judy Jackson, Cobweb Antiques  20" x 16" Oil on Canvas      by Gene Dillardael uses a unique  DON MULLINS        Derrick and Angela   Angela's on the Crosswalk 20" x 16" Sepia Photograph by Gaby Pruitt          Frank Turner, Deputy City Manager of Plano  Oil on Canvas 20" x 16" by Gene Dillard   Tanya Sastoque, Executive Director Assistance Center of Collin County  Color Photography by Gaby Pruitt    Brian Crawford, Fire Chief Plano Fire Department  Oil on canvas  20 x 16  by Gene Dillard Rail Station Studio / Gallery   We hope you will visit our studio gallery at your convenience. Our hours are "by chance or by appointment." So, you may want to give us a call just to be sure we're open when you visit.   214-403-9171             www.railstationstudios.com   Visit Rail Station Studios any time and enjoy seeing our unique exhibits of figurative art, photography and landscapes. We will also be glad to share information helpful to you in considering commissioning a portrait to honor a family member, an associate or someone to whom you wish to pay tribute. We also will have a variety of exhibitions throughout the year for you to view. We'll keep you posted. We would appreciate your sharing our Facebook page with your friends to help spread the word about Rail Station Studios and Legacy Portrait Painters.

Upcoming Master Figure Painting Class - Don Mullins

Master Figure Painting Class

A class that puts it all together, drawing, design, anatomy, block in, color, the likeness, painting form, edges, details, finish and much more

...including a live model during each class.

Instructor Don Mullins

Instructor  

Don Mullins is one of only five Texas artists who have won awards from the Portrait Society of America. Don started his professional painting career in landscape, and then fell in love with figurative art.  He attended the renowned Lyme Academy of Fine Art  in Connecticut where he studied in the classic tradition of figurative anatomy. His colorful and distinctive style attracts clients from families and the business community. He has also received awards for his work from Oil Painters of America, Artist’s Magazine and the Lyme Academy of Fine Art.

Where

Rail Station Studios

1013 15th Place 

(Historic Downtown Plano)

Plano, Texas 75074

214-403-9171

"Lexie" by Don Mullins

When

March 30 – April 1

(Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Time

9 am to 4 pm

Cost

$285

Please contact Rail Station Studios for registration and your supply list, or contact Don Mullins at 817-465-6064 (mullinsd@sbcglobal.net).  

Artist Spotlight: Gene Dillard

Gene Dillard of Plano, TX, is this month's Spotlight Artist. If you would like to be "in the spotlight", please email Anna at annarosebain@gmail.com to submit your information.

Gene Dillard

Interview with our January Spotlight Artist, Gene Dillard: 

When and how did you first become seriously interested in Art? 

Pretty much all my life. I drew a cow in the first grade and my teacher really liked it. I was hooked. Throughout a career in advertising design, I kept canvases going all the time…a wide variety of subjects and styles. About 15 years ago I made a commitment to focus on   painting portraits. I find it the ultimate, challenging passion.

What is your training, and what medium(s) / subject matter do you work in?

I majored in art briefly at Baylor and then graduated at U.T. Austin in Applied Arts. I later attended and graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. There, I received fantastic training by wonderful instructors and met life-long artist friends.

"Janis," by Gene Dillard

My portrait work is primarily in oil; occasionally watercolor. 

What do you try to express in your work?

To me, the biggest challenge in portraiture is to capture the character of every subject. Likeness is essential, but pressing beyond likeness to express character remains a never-ending quest. It is exciting to use all the tools of painting…composition, color and the gesture of the pose to depict the true essence and personality of the subject.

What artists/professionals have been your biggest influences?

Deceased: John Singer Sargent

Living: John Howard Sanden                      

"Betty Jo," by Gene Dillard

What do you do to gain new inspiration for your work?

I am inspired by studying the masters. I enjoy going to world class museums to study master figurative works. The days I spent in the National Portrait Gallery and Tate in London were really life-changing visits. This year I spent time at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington and was inspired by the remarkable works there. I also gain insights from demo videos of current top professional portrait artists. Access to workshops and demonstrations provided by the Portrait Society of America have also been inspirational.

What would you like to be doing with your art ten years from now?

I would like to be realizing the rewards of ten more years of improving my craft.

Do you set goals for yourself concerning the making of your art?

My goal is to make “the next painting” the best it can possibly be.

Are you happy with your job choice as an artist? Do you have any regrets in this career choice or things you would have done differently?

My only regret is not focusing on painting as my exclusive profession much earlier in my life.

"Sarah Jones," by Gene Dillard

"Tiara" by Gene Dillard

Any fun or interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share?

Maybe more interesting than fun, I have experienced amazing adventures in the advertising business over the last several decades. Good fortune has resulted in my being involved with very interesting brands in the most amazing array of categories. My advertising work has been published and broadcast in all major national media.
I designed and developed major print and broadcast advertising campaigns for dozens of national marketers including Exxon, Kraft Foods, Sara Lee, Frito Lay, Chase Bank, Tyson Foods, Texas Instruments, Billy Graham, Chase Bank, U.S. Army, Crown Plaza Hotels, Schlotzsky’s and Borden Dairies (for whom I was the first to animate Elsie the Cow for TV.)

Best piece of advice for other artists? 

"Sisters," by Gene Dillard

Practice to improve. Learn from the work of artists better than yourself. I see some artists who get stuck at a certain level and never progress to their potential. I think the only way forward for a motivated artist to achieve new heights is through the combination of constant study and constant practice.

Contact:

Gene Dillard

Legacy Portrait Painters

At Rail Station Studios and Gallery

1013 15^th Place #101

Plano, Texas 75075

214-403-9171

gene@legacyportraitpainters.com

www.legacyportraitpainters.com

www.portraitartist.com/dillard

http://thedillardgroup.blogspot.com

Upcoming Show at Rail Station Studio Gallery

Post submitted by Texas member Gene Dillard:

Rail Station Studios and Gallery is proud to present a show of works by a group of artists who gather to paint and draw every Friday night. The group has been meeting for more than 15 years for the purpose of painting and drawing from life.

Currently, the group meets at Brookhaven College... though officially a class, the group is open to all artists of all levels and no instruction is offered. It is the passion to paint and draw and practice that drives these artists to achieve their artistic goals

Rail Station Studio and Gallery Opening Reception

Post submitted by Plano member, Gene Dillard:

Public is invited to attend the opening of

Rail Station Studios and Gallery
in Historic Downtown Plano.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
7:00 - 10:00pm

Your are invited to attend an opening reception at the new Rail Station Studio and Gallery. It is located next to the Dart Rail Station on 15th Place in Historic Downtown Plano.
For the past several years it has been the location of Legacy Portrait Painters and the Michael Holter Studio. It will now maintain a primary emphasis on portrait and figurative subjects, but will be open to many other genres.

Artists whose work will be exhibited at the opening will include Gene Dillard, Don Mullins, Joanna Littlefield, Michael Holter, Don Dillard and Perri Sparks.

PAINTINGS BY EXHIBITORS

"Delilah" by Perri Sparks

Perri Sparks is a resident of Canada, former State Representative for Texas to the Portrait Society of America.

"Delilah" by Perri Sparks

"Dr. Ambrose" by Don Mullins

Don Mullins is a Portrait Society of America award winner and a participant in Legacy Portrait Painters. This commissioned portrait was featured this month on the cover of a national magazine honoring Dr. Ambrose who perished on 9-11.



"Dr. Ambrose," by Don Mullins

"Farm Hand" by Michael Holter

Michael Holter is resident artist at Rail Station Studios and an award winning watercolor painter. Currently exhibiting in a number of shows including the Southwest Watercolor Society competition.



"Farm Hand," by Michael Holter



“Sarah” by Gene Dillard

Gene Dillard manages Rail Station Studios. He is a member of Legacy Portrait Painters and a member of Portrait Society of America.

"Sarah," by Gene Dillard