MICHAEL NOLAND
VIEWING ROOM
Michael Noland's paintings are based on traditional American scenes that are molded to his unique vision. Through intense repetition of lines and saturated colors, Noland transforms common views and unique animals into darkly surreal and amusing scenes that question our relationship to the natural world. Flowers pulsate with life, and colors reverberate with an electric charge. Meticulous wavy patterns create vitality through exaggeration in form, turning the 3D world into a 2D pattern.
Growing up in the area of Oklahoma known as “Tornado Alley” instilled a deep respect for the natural world. Between the forces of nature and living near a wildlife preserve, Noland found his youth filled with glimpses of the majestic flora and fauna of the great plains, and a tantalizing soundscape to match. He transforms these inspirations into a unique vision. His animals are reminiscent of plants, and his plants resemble animals. Noland has been painting for over forty years, and he is constantly drawn to the power and spirituality of nature.
Noland received his BA from Cameron University in Lawton, Ok. He later earned his MFA at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. The artist has enjoyed over ten museum exhibitions across the country and is a NEA fellowship recipient.
"Growing up in Tornado Alley, gave me a healthy love and respect for the power and beauty of nature. I grew up where the landscape and sky were very much a part of my everyday life. To this day I have a healthy respect of nature’s power and beauty. I hope that this love and respect comes through in these paintings."
- Michael Noland
THE MYSTIC (BUFFALO)
Oil on Canvas
48 x 36”
“As a child, my great-grandmother would drag me to the storm cellar anytime there was a severe thunderstorm or tornado in the area. She had a fear of storms and told me many stories of the strange and deadly things she had seen them do in her life.”
- Michael Noland
THE REAWAKENING
Oil on Canvas
30 x 24”
“I can remember hearing many animal sounds at night. The sound of fish jumping and splashing, coyotes howling, bullfrogs croaking, and insects whining. My paintings are a spiritual journey into those night sounds.”
- Michael Noland
THE KING OF OKLAHOMA
Oil on Canvas
30 x 24”
“For me the act of painting is a "call of the wild". When I start a painting, there is a faith that it will be a good painting. here is a hope that people will respond to it. here is a belief that a spiritual connection will take place between the viewer and the painting.”
- Michael Noland