Artist Statement
Paintings
Drawings
Surreal Art Note: Surreal Art page contains some artistic nudity.
Watercolor and Gouache
Figurative Note: Figurative page contains artistic nudity.
Painting Process
About the Artist
Contact Info
Commission Rates
Links
MIKE RIDER
ART
drawings and paintings by Michael Rider
drawings and paintings by Michael Rider
Artist
Statement
"I have no memory of when I first started drawing or painting.
It was just something I always did.
So although I graduated from Arizona State with a BFA degree, I feel my art is more influenced by instinct than education.
Painting is a deeply personal journey into our selves.
When I was young I always hiked alongside streams or rivers.
Besides being beautiful and full of life, it was the best way to find my way back at the end of the day.
Even though I now have a GPS, I still hike next to streams.
The scenery is always better with water in it.
Water is the source of our existence.
It is no wonder that we are drawn to it.
The waves and ripples of flowing water create patterns and shapes that are unique.
There is a hypnotic tranquility that I experience when sitting stream-side,
mesmerized by flickering water reflections, solitude, and the sound of a flowing stream.
My aim is to re- create the feeling I had when I was there.
I think a painting should take you somewhere.
That you should be able to imagine yourself drawn into the painting,
with new areas of discovery and mystery that occur with each subsequent viewing.
This is the kind of art that I was in awe of as a youth and strive to create as a painter."
Michael Rider
Photo by Caryssa Rider
Michael Rider is currently represented by The Jezebel Gallery in Madrid, New Mexico.
"I have no memory of when I first started drawing or painting.
It was just something I always did.
So although I graduated from Arizona State with a BFA degree, I feel my art is more influenced by instinct than education.
Painting is a deeply personal journey into our selves.
When I was young I always hiked alongside streams or rivers.
Besides being beautiful and full of life, it was the best way to find my way back at the end of the day.
Even though I now have a GPS, I still hike next to streams.
The scenery is always better with water in it.
Water is the source of our existence.
It is no wonder that we are drawn to it.
The waves and ripples of flowing water create patterns and shapes that are unique.
There is a hypnotic tranquility that I experience when sitting stream-side,
mesmerized by flickering water reflections, solitude, and the sound of a flowing stream.
My aim is to re- create the feeling I had when I was there.
I think a painting should take you somewhere.
That you should be able to imagine yourself drawn into the painting,
with new areas of discovery and mystery that occur with each subsequent viewing.
This is the kind of art that I was in awe of as a youth and strive to create as a painter."
Michael Rider
Photo by Caryssa Rider
Michael Rider is currently represented by The Jezebel Gallery in Madrid, New Mexico.
Michael Rider
last update: 03-01-2010
Home
Artist Statement
Paintings
Drawings
Surreal Art
Watercolor and Gouache
Figurative
Painting Process
About
Commission Rates
Contact
Links
Note: Figurative and Surreal/Abstract Art pages contain some artistic nudity.
© Copyright 2000-2010 Mike Rider, Mike Rider Art, LLC. All rights reserved. This work may be reproduced and redistributed, in whole or in part, without alteration and without prior written permission, solely by educational institutions for nonprofit administrative or educational purposes provided all copies contain the following statement: © Copyright 2000-2010 Mike Rider" This work is reproduced and distributed by Mike Rider and Mike Rider Art, LLC. Where applicable, a link must be placed to mikeriderart.com. No other use is permitted without the express prior written permission of Mike Rider. For permission, e-mail Mike Rider at mikeriderart@netscape.net"