LOCAL>> Michael O’Shea – Transfer Paintings

Virtual Artist Reception:
* Tuesday, May 4, 5:00 pm

Exhibition Dates:
* May 1 – 31

Michael O’Shea artist statement:
As a resident of West Marin, I cannot help being intrigued by the surrounding forest and the pattern made by the trees. They have such individuality, inviting a sort of dialog while they search with their branches for light. This work is an examination of the trees as seen in many ways, against their surroundings.

Using a laser printed black and white photograph, I transfer the image to a prepared and pre-painted wooden panel using varnish. Rubbing away the paper leaves the tree image imprinted. Upon this, I paint again until my dialog with the tree is complete. 

I obtained my MFA in 1992 in printmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute, and since have been engaged in painting, printmaking and photography. Early on, I worked in very large format photography using alternative non-silver printing technics, including photogravure. At the same time, I made a number of artist books.  For seventeen years in France, I painted and made sculptures of printed ceramic and found wood in collaboration with another artist. More recently, I have returned to etching and photogravure in addition to these transfer paintings.

I have had solo shows in the bay area and in France, as well as participating in group shows. Recent West Marin shows in 2019 were at the Dance Palace in Pt. Reyes Station and First Valley Inverness Gallery.