Mike Stengl
Mike Stengl’s artwork captures the essence of human experience, drawing viewers into the hidden stories within each canvas. His paintings have a distinct ability to evoke emotion, blending soft and vibrant colours to create captivating compositions. Mike’s creative process begins when he meets the model at the coast or the river to spend an afternoon in a pleasant natural setting. While exploring the area and conversing, he documents the day with a camera. Mike doesn’t ask or look for poses but captures the woman acting naturally. Working from photos he has taken, the creative process begins by first eliminating most of the photographic information. Mike finds a detail or two that can anchor the figure, the model, the woman, and his impressions to the canvas. He combines traditional techniques with his distinctive artistic vision using natural hog bristle brushes and oil pigments. Each brushstroke applied now attempts to add light and shadow, personality and predicament, memories and experiences to the canvas and the figure. These artistic expressions reveal our struggles and victories, the love we’ve shared, the pain we’ve endured, and the lessons we’ve learned. They resonate with viewers, evoking emotions that remind us of our own journeys.
When experiencing Mike’s work, one may think of artists like Picasso and Klimt. All three demonstrate a sense of creative freedom and a desire for experimentation in their artistic ways, fueled by a genuine curiosity about society and the human figure. They use paint to convey insights about the world around them.
Mike’s art emphasizes both the strength and vulnerability of his subjects, providing audiences with a space to reflect and connect. His work is notable for its ability to turn everyday experiences into lasting impressions for those who take the time to look more closely.
In his painting Here We Are Again, a figure appears to be lost in thought while also on the verge of experiencing clarity and new insights. The balanced colour palette enhances the reflective atmosphere, inviting viewers to discover their own sense of stillness within the piece.
In Spirit, Mike expresses a sense of movement and discovery. The figure seems to float through a forest of ideas, seeking that one inspiring thought to enrich the day. The painting blurs the boundaries between the figure and its surroundings, creating a fluid, almost spinning sensation that invites viewers into a contemplative state.
Lily evokes a sense of a captured memory. The subject appears lost in thought, enveloped in an atmosphere of truth and contentment. Soft colours and a light, airy quality give the painting a dreamlike essence, inviting viewers to fully immerse themselves in its gentle serenity.
Mike Stengl has been showcasing his work in solo and group exhibitions throughout Eureka, California, and has held a solo show in Portland, Oregon. With over 30 years in the art world, his passion remains in creating timeless works that celebrate the beauty and complexity of the female form.
Mike Stengl is the Silver Artist of the ArtAscent Resolutions call for artists. To see the full body of work and profile, get a copy of the 2025 ArtAscent Art & Literature Journal Resolutions issue.
