Mike Stengl
Embodying ideals and societal narratives, the female figure has arguably been a central subject in art. Its prevalence is what makes this topic challenging as well. A painter, Mike Stengl, seeks to give personal optics on every figure he depicts.
When discussing his style, the author replies, “A great painter once said, you are not painting the subject matter; you are painting how you feel about the subject matter. I use any and every style and technique in my arsenal to this end: impressionistic, representational, abstraction.” Indeed, even giving a cursory glance to his pieces on the pages of this issue, it is easy to notice how variously they were created. Bold colour palettes, expressive brushwork, and geometric structuring unite all three,
In The Pacific, Stengl portrays a figure standing against a tranquil seascape, her body rendered in a harmonious interplay of warm and cool tones. The soft pastels of the background contrast with the bold reds and blues of the figure, drawing attention to her presence within the vast landscape.
This Way Then takes a more fragmented and expressive approach, using vibrant colours and dynamic composition to capture the sense of movement. The figure is depicted with bold strokes, done, as in all other works, with a flat bristle brush. Angular forms emerge from the abstract background, contrasting with the definite surroundings of the first image.
In White Blouse, Stengl ventures further into abstraction, breaking the form into geometric shapes and muted earth tones. The figure becomes an interplay of intersecting planes, blending the silhouette with the elements of cubism.
Mike Stengl’s works echo the legacy of artists like the famous French painter Henri Matisse. This association evolves from the author’s method of combining intensive colour contrasts with laconic forms to bridge non-figurative art and realism. At the same time, he doesn’t step over the line, behind which the corporeality of the female figure is completely deconstructed with a cold, contemplative gaze. All of his characters emanate sensuality and individuality through poses and gestures.
The artist is not looking for a non-existent perfect body but searches for ways to express the personality of each given model. This strategy offers a unique perspective on the female form, fusing naturalistic elements with modern abstraction to achieve a tension between representation and interpretation.
Mike Stengl has exhibited works since 1997 throughout Eureka, California, showcasing new creations as opportunities arise and local galleries evolve. As the artist himself notes, the exhibitions have been sporadic yet deeply connected to the community’s dynamic art scene. Beyond Eureka, the artist’s reach has extended to Portland, Oregon, with a show at Embellishments Studios, and participation in the Works on Paper exhibition at the University of Texas at Tyler.
Mike Stengl is the Silver Artist of the ArtAscent Figures call for artists. To see the full body of work and profile, get a copy of the 2025 ArtAscent Art & Literature Journal Figures issue.
