Biography

Pennsylvania artist Michael G. Clauson is an accomplished still life, landscape and portrait painter. Her paintings reflect a strong commitment to the concepts of capturing the light and atmosphere.

Born in New Orleans, Clauson spent her childhood in the rolling hills of Iowa. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Davenport, IA, she moved to New York City and earned a Certificate of Interior Design from the New York School of Interior Design and continued her studies at the Art Students League. While attending the league, Clauson developed a great admiration for traditional painting. She was consistently inspired by the old masters, including Caravaggio, Chardin and Velazquez. Later, in her desire to expand her style and technique, she was inspired by paintings of John Singer Sargent and Russian artist Nicolai Fechin. “The overall achievements of these fine painters,” explains Clauson, “parallels my own artistic goals.”

Frequently depicted in her paintings are exquisitely detailed renderings of petals and leaves of her favorite subject, flowers. “I am bound to paint annual favorites such as Peonies, Iris and Lilacs because each time I paint them I try to make it the best rendition I have ever painted,” says Clauson.

Over the last five years, Clauson has painted and also exhibited her work in her studio, Clauson Fine Art, at the Schoolhouse Business Center, Houston, PA. She is also represented by World West Galleries, Washington, PA. In February 2005 Clauson will be the featured artist at the annual “Art in the Round” show at the Washington County Courthouse.