Michael Hedges
Artist Statement
My paintings are a synthesis of color, line, form and texture. They begin as a problem of two or more
color relationships to be explored through form. The form is loosely defined by a drawing that
acts as a skeleton and ecto-skeleton both beneath and above the finished work. The application of
the media to the painting surface is of utmost importance to me. The paint is applied with great
bursts of energy, creating a surface, if I am successful, that is supercharged with texture and color. I
work multiple, usually around 10, paintings at the same time, all centered on the original
problem. This multiple approach allows me to go in different directions, very quickly building the
energy that is critical to a successful painting. I strive to create intense, even and stunning
color relationships that are balanced by form and texture into a controlled elegance. The challenge
here is to create a vibration in the work that energizes it without separating.
Artist Bio
Michael was born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois. While in high school Michael spent two years
studying at the Art Institute of Chicago before going on to receive his B.A. in Studio Art
from Loras College in Dubuque, IA in 1998.
Since graduation from Loras, Michael has been exhibiting and selling his artwork throughout the
Chicago-land area. In addition to gallery showings pieces of Michael’s work hang permanently
in corporations through the Chicagoland area and Iowa and have sold into private collections.
Selected Exhibitions
Exhibitions/Shows
2018
• Space Gallery, Denver (Group show)
2017
• McCormick Gallery Chicago
• Art Expo Chicago
• Art Miami. Florida
• David Richard Gallery
• Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary Art Fair. West Palm Beach Florida
2016
• Art Expo Chicago
• Chicago Paints
• Art of Expression Exhibit Highland Park
• Ohio University Southern Art Show (Group show)
• St. Xavier University Art Show (Solo show)
2015
• McCormick Gallery Solo Show
• Art Expo Chicago
• Art Miami
2014
• McCormick Gallery Chicago
• Art Expo Chicago
• Mars Gallery Chicago
2013
• McCormick Gallery Chicago, Collage Collage Collage (Group Show) June
• McCormick Gallery Chicago (Summer Show) July
• Art Access Gallery / Bexley Ohio (Group Show) May
• Art Access Gallery (Group Show) July
• McCormick Gallery Chicago (Solo Show) December
2012
• McCormick Gallery Chicago
• Fresh Abstractions Group Show Summer 2012 Highland Park Art Center
2011
• McCormick Gallery Chicago
2010
• Mars Gallery Chicago
2009
• Mars Gallery Chicago
2008
• Mars Gallery Chicago, (Group Show)
• Mars Gallery Chicago, (Two Person Show)
• Artropolis, The Artist Project
2007
• Medspa – Oak Brook, IL (2007-2008)
• Contempo with Roberta Markbreit, Television show
• Bottega M – Oak Park, IL
2005
• Solo Show, Roaring Belly Gallery – Oak Park, IL
• Juried Exhibition Around the Coyote – Chicago, IL
• Bent Fork Studio – Freemont, IN
2003
• Solo Show, Artist Frame Shop – Oak Park, IL
• Official Selections Illinois Artisan Exhibition
2001
• Solo Show, Molly Malones – Forest Park, IL
1998
• Solo Show, Loras College – Dubuque, IA
Collections
Dr. and Mrs. Don Clem
Mr. Rick Eagle
Tom and Carol Woods
Dr. and Mrs. Ross Hausner
Steve and Laurie Bergren
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Sisco
John Finn
Scott and Nikki Elza
Corporate Collections
PNC Bank
Delaney Law – Chicago, IL
Regenerative Solutions – Fullerton, CA
Community Bank – River Forest, IL
Botticelli’s South Congress – Austin, TX
Caring Medical – Oak Park, IL
Pilgrim Management Office – River Forest, IL
Oak Park Park District Administration Building – Oak Park, IL