On view January 17 - February 11, 2026
Opening Reception Sunday, January 18th, 2026, 1-4 pm
Born (b. 1952) and raised in the near west suburbs of Chicago, Michael Ireland began his formal studies at the American Academy of Art. It was there he developed a passion for painting that has continued throughout his life and career. His painting style and technique challenges the scale and format associated with traditional transparent watercolor, resulting in some recent works measuring over 20 feet in length. He is a member of the National Watercolor Society and Illinois Watercolor Society. Recently, one of his works “Conifer,” received the Helen Browne Memorial Award at the 88th Annual Juried Exhibition of the Hudson River Valley Art Association. Today, Ireland’s home and studio is in Cary, Illinois.
Artist Statement
I’ve come to understand the true art of watercolor, for me, is within the painting process itself. It is the brush washing the substrate with color, the colors merging upon various textures, the combination of techniques and lessons learned from painting and then painting even more… And hopefully, upon completion, a “work” of art is produced. But that is not necessarily the point. It is the painting process itself that is so important. My paintings are consistent with traditional transparent watercolor techniques as I work to achieve the balance of light and shadow through a transparent glazing wash, allowing the white of the substrate to add to the range of value while simultaneously working to deliver a result relying on both spontaneity and control. Much of my work is executed in a fairly large scale by transparent watercolor standards. I enjoy the challenge of reining in a huge wash and working over the full sheet with the sweep of each color pass.
GALLERY HOURS & VISITOR INFORMATION
This exhibition will be held in the Second Floor Gallery of the Evanston Art Center (EAC). Masks are optional but strongly recommended for students, visitors and staff.
Gallery Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9am–6pm
Friday: 9am–5pm
Saturday–Sunday: 9am–4pm
HOW TO PURCHASE ARTWORK
Artwork sale proceeds benefit both the artist and the Evanston Art Center. If you are interested in purchasing artwork on display, please contact Emma Rose Gudewicz, Director of Development and Exhibitions, at [email protected] or (847) 475-5300 x 102.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.