Verde Valley News – El Valle Artists Association Artist of the Month for December is Michael D. Trulson for his painting “Scottsdale Vista”
Michael has painted in all different mediums, yet watercolor was what he began creating with 40 years earlier, so he decided to jump back into his his love of watercolor. He is a juried member of The Northern Arizona Watercolor Society.
His style is his own in as much as he does not emulate anyone, although Michael continues to study the masters and contemporary artists. He flows with what comes naturally.
Mike shared that “Ever since I can remember, drawing and painting has held a place in my soul. I was always drawing in Grade school, cartoons mainly. When art classes became electives in Junior high and high school I made sure I was enrolled in a class every semester. I enjoyed the biographies of the great masters.”
Being honest with himself and the reality of pursuing fine art as a career, he attended the “Burnley School of Professional Art, which in the early 70’s was a well-known Commercial Art school in the Pacific N.W.
After graduating Michael relocated to Seattle, a somewhat small city at the time. He did not want to move away from friends and family, so after a time of trying free-lance work he felt that art would be one of his hobbies.
When life, marriage, children, full time job, etc. became of paramount importance, Mike put away the paints. Forty years later when he retired, with lots of time to spare, it was my time to get back in to something he had always loved and that was painting.
Choosing Sedona as a place to retire was a perfect fit for Mike. Artists abound and classes are abundant. He does not believe you ever stop learning. And lest we forget, the magic of the landscape and light found in the Southwest is inspiration for us all.
The Artist of the Month’s art is exhibited at the Cottonwood Library, where EVAA has an ongoing exhibit. EVAA artists can now display their art for sale in the cases at the library. Please stop by to view the artwork.
El Valle Artists Association (EVAA) holds its monthly meeting every second Thursday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Mountain View United Methodist Church, 901 So. 12th Street (between 89A and Fir), Cottonwood, AZ. Social distancing and masks are recommended. If you are an artist or interested in the arts, please come to our meetings. The meeting includes a short business session, selection of Artist of the Month and an art demonstration, along with time to enjoy the fun people in the organization.
For more information about El Valle Artists Association please visit elvalleartists.org