Michael McClure

"It sometimes feels like I have taken the long way to being a professional painter. First I tried everything else connected with art to make a living. Eventually, the real me won out. I would
rather have a brush than a mouse in my hand. I consider myself a 'plein air' painter. I prefer to paint from life, whether it is a portrait, still life or a landscape. There is some of the energy
and excitement of a place in a painting done on location, plus it feeds my habit of being out in nature. I want to share the joy and beauty I find in the natural world."

McClure graduated with a fine arts degree from Stanford University in 1972. He pursued a graphic design career, operating his own professional design studio in Denver until 1980. At that time he began to take classes in water media, and realized his direction was heading back to his roots in painting. "I have drawn and painted ever since I could lift a pencil. It's as
natural as breathing for me. It gives me a way to respond to my environment, and to communicate my view of things to others. I especially enjoy teaching and working with young people who are looking for some creative support."

Over the years since 1981, McClure studied with top artists including Frank Webb, Robert E. Wood, Millard Sheets, Zoltan Szabo, Carole Barnes, Harley Brown (pastel), and Matt Smith (oils). In 1983, after having several one-man and group shows in the Denver area, he moved to Willow Springs in the Southern Missouri Ozarks. Since then he has continued to work in water media, pastel and oils. He presently operates Michael McClure Fine Art & Murals, a studio/art gallery near Willow Springs. He divides his time between fine art painting and murals. "I spend part of each year doing residencies in communities in Missouri, where I work with students on a mural. These projects give me an opportunity to interact with all levels of the community, as well as provide young artists with a model of a working artist in action. I try to put educational content into the murals, so that they go beyond being decorative and can have a beneficial impact on the public."

Michael's  work has won numerous awards in art competitions. It is found in both private and corporate collections nationwide. He has been accepted as a signature member of the Ozark Pastel Society. He is currently on the Artist in Residence Roster of the Missouri Arts Council. His painting "Neglected but still Lovely" won first place in oils at the recent "People of the Ozarks Show." Michael was juried into and took part in the 2002 Carmel Art Festival in Carmel, California.