Michael Ireland
Michael Ireland has participated in the creative process for over fifty years beginning with his studies at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Under the direction of master instructor Irving Shapiro, he began to explore the effects of light and color through transparent watercolor. He soon developed a passion for the medium that continued throughout his life and career. After school, Michael proceeded to live the proverbial artist’s life. In other words, he was a painter, bartender, farmer, college staff member, poet, musician and cook. He leveraged his skills to become an accomplished creative director in the design and multimedia industry. In 2001, he turned his full attention to his career as a professional fine artist. His passion for painting had become what is now his lifelong career.
Today Michael is a nationally recognized fine artist whose technique challenges the scale and format associated with traditional transparent watercolor. This has resulted in some of his recent works measuring up to over twenty feet in length. This process and approach have led to his artwork being placed in collections throughout the country.
Michael’s home and studio is in Cary, Illinois.
