Featured Artist Mike Dettman

Well-traveled artist Mike Dettman offers a collection of painterly landscapes that capture a sense of place. Enjoy more of his portfolio by viewing his website.

 

winter landscape painting by Mike Dettman

“Winter’s Contrast” oil, 16” x 12”

 

I was just ten days old when my mother bundled me up in the dead of winter to move us from my birthplace, an Air Force base in Washington, to Alaska. My dad was in the military and had just been transferred. This was just one of the many moves we would make in the years to come.

 

oil landscape of a meadow with a tree by Mike Dettman

“Morning Overlook” oil, 14” x 11”

 

From Washington to Alaska, Illinois, Arizona, Spain, Nevada and eventually Colorado, the landscapes and climate were always changing. I found comfort in those unsettled times by immersing myself in anything that would help ground me.

 

winter landscape painting by Mike Dettman

“Winter’s Quiet” oil, 16” x 12”

 

Art was one of those anchors. Although I couldn’t pack it with my teddy, it was still mine to carry with me.

 

landscape painting of a juniper by Mike Dettman

“Juniper with Cloud” oil, 12” x 9”

 

During my school years, I loved doing arts and crafts. It was a familiar pastime and allowed me to express myself. It was during that time I realized I wanted to be an artist.

 

oil landscape painting of fall at Black Butte Ranch by Mike Dettman

“Fall Splendor at Black Butte Ranch” oil, 20” x 16”

 

I was initially drawn to sculpture. After quite a few years as a stone sculptor, I realized I was more passionate about painting inspiring landscapes and capturing mood. So I started on a new art journey with oil paints and canvas.

 

oil landscape painting of sheep in the spring by Mike Dettman

“Spring Sheep” oil, 12” x 9”

 

I discovered that I love to paint in oils and explore landscapes on any scale, from a grand view to more intimate compositions.

 

oil landscape painting of olive trees in the summer by Mike Dettman

“Summer Olive Trees” oil, 12” x 9”

 

For me, creating a landscape painting has to start with a spark of inspiration. It is then followed by exploring color notes, composition, mood and other forms of expression. If I sense that I’m on to a promising painting and the exploring phase is on track, I get both excited and a little anxious. For me, this creative process is very engaging, and the constant discovery of new landscapes inspires my art journey.

 

oil landscape of a small stream in winter by Mike Dettman

“Winter on the Crooked River” oil, 12” x 9”

 

I find painting similar to fly fishing—from exploring a likely spot, to deciding what handmade fly to use, and finally, to the practice of catch and release. Both processes seem very much the same! I see my paintings as somewhat like that beautiful native trout I gently let slip back into the water after a moment of admiring its colors and patterns.

 

oil landscape of a field and trees by Mike Dettman

“Morning Shadows” oil, 12” x 9”

 

Similarly, my paintings are in a process stage until I let them loose. They then move into a life of their own that exists between the viewer and the art.

 

Artist Mike Dettman painting plein air

Artist Mike Dettman painting en plein air

 

It’s really about loving a process, recharging my soul, admiring creation right in front of me and experiencing nature from a grateful position.

 

Artist Mike Dettman invites you to follow him on Facebook and Pinterest.

 

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Comments

  1. These are all excellent. My favorite is Morning Overlook.

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