Artist Michael Ward shares his love of architecture in this collection of nostalgic house portraits. Visit his website to see more of his art.
![painted portrait of a small blue house by Michael Ward](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AcrossfromLouies.jpg)
“Across From Louies” acrylic on canvas, 18” x 14”
I have had a fascination with architecture from an early age. As a child, I announced I wanted to be an architect, which is why my parents agreed to my request for a dollhouse. I didn’t care about the dolls, but I definitely wanted the house.
![painted portrait of the Beulah House by Michael Ward](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/BeulahHouse.jpg)
“Beulah House” acrylic on canvas, 18” x 14”
In high school, I studied architecture, finding myself especially interested in doing renderings and elevations. Later, in college and beyond, I did pen and ink drawings of houses. I did this first as a favor for a cousin, and eventually for a business selling images of Victorian houses on calendars and greeting cards.
![painted portrait of Kentons House by Michael Ward](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Kentons_House.jpg)
“Kenton’s House” acrylic on canvas, 18” x 14”
When I began painting with acrylics in the mid-1990s, I found myself painting the houses in my neighborhood. This eventually evolved into my Home is Where the House Is series.
![Painted portrait of a pink Bozeman house by Michael Ward](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bozeman_House_1.jpg)
“Bozeman House #1” acrylic on canvas, 18” x 14”
The first of these was a house in Bozeman, Montana, near where I spent my childhood. It was a simple mid-20th century house clad in asbestos shingles. Other Bozeman houses joined the series, along with houses from Michigan, California and even Mexico—anywhere I found a suitable subject in my travels. Some were just down the block, waiting for me to find them.
![painted portrait of a green Bozeman House by Michael Ward](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bozeman_House_2.jpg)
“Bozeman House #2” acrylic on canvas, 18” x 14”
The houses are all painted in a uniform size, 14” x 18.” The views are all front-facing as the house presents itself to the street, like an architectural illustration.
![painted portrait of a blue house with a large hibiscus by Michael Ward](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Hibiscus.jpg)
“Hibiscus” acrylic on canvas, 18” x 14”
Some of the houses are neat as a pin, while others are quite shabby. I’ve experienced both. Most are modest. They’re where the middle class lives, or at least where they lived in the twentieth century.
![painted portrait of a Pasadena House by Michael Ward](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Pasadena_House.jpg)
“Pasadena House” acrylic on canvas, 18” x 14”
They have in common the distinction of being the structure where ordinary people, living ordinary lives, can be sheltered and nurtured. There’s a grace in the ordinary which is characterized by these houses.
![painted portrait of a dilapidated beach house by Michael Ward](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ItWasGreatWhileItLasted.jpg)
“It Was Great While It Lasted” acrylic on canvas, 18” x 14”
When I display these houses at shows, I am surprised by the emotional response they evoke in viewers. To people of my generation they are reminders of the places we grew up in.
![painted portrait of a house in the woods by Michael Ward](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SomewhereWestofGrayling.jpg)
“Somewhere West of Grayling” acrylic on canvas, 18” x 14”
To younger generations, they are the places their parents or grandparents lived in which were visited on holidays and summer vacations. Viewers often tell me they know exactly where a certain house is. They’re wrong, of course, but in a way they’re right as well.
![painted portrait of a New Orleans duplex by Michael Ward](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/NewOrleansDuplex.jpg)
“New Orleans Duplex” acrylic on canvas, 18” x 14”
I paint other stuff as well—landscapes, cityscapes, signs, cars and people. But houses will always have a special place in my oeuvre.
Artist Michael Ward invites you to follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
These are all fantastic. Can’t pick just one for favorite.