Louis Armstrong. Study for the New Orleans Jazz Festival Poster.Artist James Michalopoulos from New Orleans is in love. He is in love with paint and his city and music. More than that, he loves space and color and light.
And he is definitely loved back!
Apparently, Michalopoulus is doing something very right in this process of creation.
Sprin A Ling. “This is thick paint pushed in the service of fun. The ordinary is celebrated and illuminated as profound. This is art from the heart and thankful,” says the artist.
Held in high esteem by museums and private art collectors alike, he has been awarded the commission for the New Orlean’s landmark Jazz Fest poster 6 times.
Michalopoulus also has the honor of being featured in the homes of celebrities such as Aaron Neville, Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, John Goodman, Sharon Stone and Bruce Willis.
The formula for making vibrant art
Fall Tilt.“I take my liberties and express my emotions in a poetic interpretation.” – James Michalopoulus, “Artist’s statement”
“I rise about 4,“ says Michalopolous, describing the challenge and joys of invention which drive his creative process. “It’s so quiet…not talking… I read the NY Times for about an hour and I’m off to work. Still dark and I open the doors to my studio. I like to see the sun rise as I paint. I can get my day at the easel largely finished by lunch. It’s a great feeling to have the rest of the day for whatever needs attention.“
But that does not mean painting or sculpting is always a joyride. Some days can be better than others.
“Sometimes the work flows out effortlessly,“ the artist says. “At other times it’s a battle. I am at times for days working for a resolution. There’s lots to think about in all this.“
What definitely helps is that Michalopolous has been a meditator for about 30 years. “I practice Transcendental Meditation twice a day for about 25 minutes. It is restful and a great respite from the rush of events.“
For more about Michalopoulos and his work, visit the artist’s home page
