Michael McCullough explains how abstract expressionist paintings are intended to trigger random thoughts and emotions in others that might not relate to his own.
Michael McCullough is an American painter whose abstract expressionist paintings have been exhibited in the United States. His relationship with visual art started with his earlier practice of analog photography which lasted for some years before he made the transition.
He describes the foundation of his abstract paintings as interactions drawn from his exploration and connection with the world.
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Inspirations and influences
My work is intuitive, that is I make no initial decisions about direction.
His artistic growth was majorly influenced by his father, however, he highlighted several exceptional artists he was and has continually been influenced by, like Joan Mitchell, Michael (Corinne) West, Pierre Solages, Sam Francis, Franz Kline, and Howard Hodges.
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He also extended his appreciation towards his wife, Sharon Pierce McCullough, a painter/sculptor, regarding her as his greatest influence because she always had the necessary encouraging comments.
The creation process
Michael mainly works with acrylic paint on canvas or linen in the gestural abstract style, also known as “action painting”.
He describes his artistic process as abstract paintings that develop at their own pace, directed by the thoughts and emotions of the current day.
“My work is intuitive, that is I make no initial decisions about direction,” he says. “I just let my feeling and emotion take over. Progression can be quick or painfully slow. Some works are completed in a matter of days while others are under consideration for months.”
To see Michael’s latest paintings, visit Saatchi Art >
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