Artist Mike Savage

Kansas City artist Mike Savage needs no introduction to the local community as his vibrant and joyful paintings are instantly recognized around the city. This larger than life artist shares his works in his gallery, at premier art fairs and also graces the walls of some of the finest homes in the world. Please enjoy our conversation below and some of Mike's delightfully exuberant paintings.

1) Mike, thank you so much for participating in this interview. Tell us about when you first became interested in painting.

When I could see. But seriously, since I could start drawing! Always. It always seemed innate.

2) I remember having dinner at JJ's  (an iconic restaurant) on the Country Club Plaza  and seeing your works of art on the walls; it was so vivid in color and style; how did that commission come about? 

My buddy Charlie Podrebarac and I used to hang out there when it was Don Pepe’s. When Jimmy bought the restaurant, a friend from college in the art department was dating him. She suggested my work to hang there. I really believe he was the first to do this in town. It was supposed to be for a month and then I suggested other friend's art for the next two months. He (the owner) said that everyone had missed my art and the rest is history.

3) Where do you find inspiration for your art?

Everywhere. Just look, it’s there.

4) Did you have mentors or others who encouraged you to be creative and to paint? 

Sister Francis Grady at Bishop Ward High School. She pushed, meaning educated me and made me “See”. Also the instructors at KU. All they ever did was say, “Look, see, feel”.

5) Who are some of the artists whose work you admire?

I always have my main three: Monet, John Singer Sargent and Rothko.

6) Where can readers find your art? Do you have upcoming exhibits?

My website: http://www.sav-art.com , on Facebook , at The Sav-Art Gallery: located at 4504 State Line Road. KCKs. 913.236.9400. 

JJ’s, And other places…I think! The Blue Dot Salon in Lawrence. Margaritas, the KU Union Restaurant, Shop Beautiful in Leawood…..I’m sure I’m missing somewhere.

Indeed, as I have seen some of your private commissions! I also just noticed that you have generously donated paintings of our Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals stadiums to for a local charity's auction event! 

7) Mike, what advice would you give to the aspiring artist of any age?

Hone your fundamentals and the medium of choice. Make mistakes, and look for yourself in your work. Be honest with yourself and don’t listen to critics. And have fun.

It is a pleasure to know you Mike, you are truly an inspiration! 

Thank you to my Family, Friends and Followers who support The Arts!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

A Special Interview with Kansas City Artist Gregory Summers

I am very excited to feature local artist Gregory Summers and some of his stunning works of art.

Greg has a wonderful sense of humor  and as you can see he has a special love of Kansas City in his heart!

Gregory is involved in a number of art groups in the area. The Kansas City Artists Coalition, Friends of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Friends of the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art, Friend of the Overland Park Arts. and am one of the founding members of the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society.

A Plaza Light

 K) When did you realize that you wanted to paint and create art? 

G) A long long time ago, I remember reading "The Wind in the Willows" and loving the story, and not liking the illustrations that went along with it, so I proceeded to redraw it to my liking. It was a start, and it gave me something to do whenever I was sent to my room for one reason or another.

 Waiting on the Till

 K) I understand you are a member of the Kansas City Artists Coalition. Did joining that membership provide inspiration and support?

 G) Joining the KCAC brought me out of my little cocoon of my own making that kept me out of the art world.

Out of the Wind

 K)  You’re latest art I have seen is truly amazing, the light and shadows draw one in? Do you work from photographs, reality, or the visions in your own mind?

 G)Well thank you for saying that. What has revitalized my passion for art has been painting "en plein air". I just love grabbing my easel and paints and getting outdoors. Wind, rain, snow, it's like the postman's old mantra, but rearranged a bit to fit my own purposes... to paint. I do normally take a photo of the setting, and if I don't finish on site, I have no problem finishing it off in my studio.

Moraine Valley Elk

K) What keeps your passion to paint alive?

G) It's more like it's been reborn! In 2002 I sobered up after a long bout with alcoholism,  I was actually able to see the canvas clearly. I met a wonderfully supportive  woman whom I married. And pretty much she keeps my passion alive, that and all the years of trying to recapture all that I missed while "absent" from the art.

Gems from the West

K) Greg, do you have any exhibits currently or on the 2012 agenda?

G) I spent the better part of 2011 knocking on galleries trying to find places to show my art, and ended up with 10 openings last year. 2o12 looks to be equally as busy, just less foot work. I presently have a solo show of my "Plein Air" art at the West Patron Gallery, I am showing at the KC Arts Council, the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Assoc, and Glacial Till Gallery in Ashland Nebraska. In February I have a solo show at the Art Institute International Kansas City, March I am featured at the Kansas City Club, June is a the MVIS Founders Show in Lee's Summit. This February I am headed out of state for a plein air workshop, maybe it would have been easier to say "yes" I do. I really am using 2012 to improve and refine my work, and that will be my main focus for the year.

On Broadway

K) Finally, what words of wisdom do you have for the aspiring artist of any age?

G) Don't drink and drive? I bet you meant towards art. It would take a wiser man than I to profess any great words of wisdom. But I can speak from the experiences that I have encountered.  

If you want to amount to anything, go for greatness, don't just settle for being good at your work. There are a lot of things I am good at, but that's not what I will be remembered for.  It's when you continue to better yourself, and know that the next painting will be even better, that's how I'm going to get to be great at what I do.

K) Thank you so much Greg for taking the time  to share with us!

G) And thank you for your interest in me and my art

You can visit Gregory's  Art Website

Also  Visit his Blog at rgregorysummers.comBlog 

Also thank you to my faithful friends and followers who make it encourage and support the arts!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena