Michael Gillespie first studied music, specifically the art song and choral music. After being employed as a church musician for while, he wanted to also develop his drawing skills, which had been put on a shelf. He obtained an additional degree in visual art, and worked as an illustrator for several years specializing in the medium of pastel. As he developed his skills with oils, he began to do more portraits and plein air (on-site) paintings.His current work focuses on portrait and figurative paintings, some with a Biblical theme, and plein air paintings in oil and pastel. The content or feelings evoked by music are sometimes the impetus for a painting: His oil “When David Heard” was inspired by Eric Whitacre’s moving choral work by the same name.
He has entered many competitions, resulting in being included in some prestigious shows, and winning awards in others. He has also recently studied classical realism approaches to painting, and continues to improve and grow as a painter and artist.
Michael Gillespie currently teaches an"Introduction to Fine Arts" class at Dallas Baptist University.
Sourse: http://michaelgillespieart.com
