Michael Lanham

Through art I have learned to focus and grow. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome late in life I needed an outlet for my energy and emotions. While not a formally trained artist, I have painted for most of my life. I identify as an Abstract Alchemist and my paintings reflect the colors I see in everyday events and objects: a beautiful sunset, the moon, nebulas, viruses, rivers, and fields.

I use a combination of oils, various mediums, raw pigments, and a variety of re-purposed media that create the barriers I pour color into. My process is a cold chemical reaction of medium and pigment as they continuously intermingle and infuse color throughout the pieces as it cures. I rarely manipulate the flow, but rather allow it to move organically as it dries, sometimes taking over a week. I have been venturing into abstract portraits and skylines lately, but always come back to nature for inspiration. People are tempted to touch my work to feel the texture, and I encourage everyone to do so. Unlike most oil paintings, my process creates a solid surface protecting the colors and media.

I moved back to the Evansville area in 2021 and am inspired by the visual irony between the Ohio River and the weather as it affects nature, sometimes violently.