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Rich in image and color, beautifully composed yet full of hidden meaning, Michael Tyson Murphy’s oil paintings are so engaging that the viewer can spend hours exploring the various avenues of interpretation. Although Michael works primarily in imaginal landscapes - images of places created entirely from imagination and memory - he equally enjoys the challenge of creating still-life paintings that use the detail of the subject matter, such as type, arrangement and color of flowers, contrasted with background and setting, to achieve a unique mood and sense of place. When an image is composed partly of forms that appear realistic, the viewer tends also to accept the rest of the image as true to life. For example, in one of Michael’s signature pieces for the “Fall Garden Party” Exhibit, "Spring Orange and Pink" , because the flowers are realistically represented, the mosaic-like color shapes that constitute the rest of the painting are perceived as aspects of a particular setting and place. An opalescent vase appears to rest on an orange table or ground, perhaps in front of a pink wall, with a swath of green lawn seen beyond and into the distance. In fact, these are simple shapes - not even symbols: the sides of the orange table do not line up; the pink wall flies off to one side; all the shapes interlock in a non-static synchronicity, continually moving the eye around the canvas, simultaneously signaling near and far, returning back to the flowers. In this way the viewer "experiences" the ever-renewing vitality of the sensation of Spring. The process of comprehending the entire image as realistic makes the creation and the receiving of the work alive and is the bond between the artist and the viewer. Michael Tyson Murphy, a native of southern California, studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and moved to New York City in the early 1980's to execute a mural commission for a private residence on 5th Avenue. In addition to his fine art paintings, drawings and portraits, Michael created murals and painted interiors for diverse clients, including sports personalities and several Fortune 500 CEO's. Since 2000, Michael has devoted himself entirely to his fine art and continues to live and work in New York City. The Red House is pleased to introduce Michael to the Dubuque Community. | |
 "Riva" Acrylic on Canvas |
 "April" Acrylic on Canvas |
 "Beach Pear" Acrylic on Canvas |
 "Summer Reflections" Acrylic on Canvas |
 "Afternoon" Oil |
 "Red & White" Oil |
 "Venice I" Graphite/Paper |
 "Vivaldi" Graphite/Paper |