Michael Breyette's "Summer Moved On" presents an excellent cross-section of the paintings of this American artist. Breyette uses warm colors and harmonic forms; his paintings convey ease and radiate meditative power. The bodies of the men melt into the landscape. The artist paints American icons, baseball players, cowboys, surfers, all in everyday scenes that are full of confidence and the relaxing warmth of the late summer's heat.
The method of my work may be rather controlled and meticulous in it's execution but the expressive outlet my pastel paintings provides me is a bit less restrained. Growing up gay in a rather repressive atmosphere I learned to be guarded, never really expressing my deepest passions. To this day, most peoples first impression of me tends to be that I'm reserved and shy. My art is my release valve where I express my adoration of the masculine form, my thoughts about being gay, my dreams, my emotions and my comments on life. Indeed, my pastel paintings are me screaming to the world "I think the male body is beautiful" and "when you're gay you love, lust, laugh and cry just like everybody else!"
I can safely say those two notions are the force behind what I do and where my artwork leads me.
When I approach a new work it is like I am embarking on a journey. It begins with my mood determining the kind of trip that I'd like to take, be it romantic, adventurous, wild etc. I then create an itinerary, where I want to go; what I want to see by choosing the scene and the action. Then I'm ready to set out with my chalks and expectations. And like all good trips the doing goes beyond the imagining as my senses immerse me completely. Each painting is a new experience and even the figures in my artwork are like new acquaintances I meet along the way. I return from the journey changed and filled with fond memories.
As I am working I tap into my empathy to put myself in the painting. I want to convey not only the emotions but also the physical surroundings. With each stroke of pastel and blend of a finger I am striving to create a moment and bring it to life, not merely visually but to also be able make you the viewer feel the caress of a lover, hear the rain hit the ground, smell the ocean breeze, sense the passion, and do my best to transport you to that moment.
