New images of recent paintings by Mike Miller can be found at the bottom of page three in the Art & Architecture section.
To me, it is particularly interesting to note some of the differences between the paintings. Like a great architect, Mike doesn't just stamp out one particular 'style' time and time again (unlike some other golf artists I could name).
For instance, the two paintings of The Valley Club of Montecito seem to embrace a certain academic realism style compared to a looser, more impressionistic style evident in the 3rd and 10th holes paintings at the Country Club of Rochester. The Olympic Club, Rustic Canyon and Bandon Trails paintings are stylistically somewhere between the two.
Regardless of type style, his paintings are landscapes first and golf holes secondarily with Mike showing great range in selecting the season, time of day, weather, quality of light, his own unique color palette, etc. for each painting.
Interestingly enough, Mike says that the looser or more impressionistic painting style is the more difficult of the two. He reasons that a painting slavishly centered on realism to illustrate a golf hole can be accomplished through an ability in draftsmanship and a certain amount of diligence. However, the looser style requires the additional factor of artistic creativity, which is more elusive and challenging according to Mike.
Isn't that just like golf course architecture?! To create a modern, Augusta National type bunker with its sharply defined edges is a matter of diligence and throwing great resources at the task. However to create the jagged bunkers at Cuscowilla requires creativity and vision in addition to diligence/resources.
In the end though, forget all the X's and O's - the only thing that matters re: Mike's paintings is whether the viewer enjoys looking at them. Well, do you? And why or why not? Perhaps a different artist has another style/uses a different medium (water colors?) that you prefer?
Any questions for Mike, or about having him paint one of your favorite holes, please email him at mgmart@sbcglobal.net.
Cheers,
Ran