Michael Watson is a local figurative artist who aspires to capture contemporary Australian culture in an academic, representational manner.
Michael grew up in Eaglehawk and holds strong ties to the local community. While Michael has always loved arts – from attending his older brothers’ art lectures at La Trobe University as a child to excelling in VCE Studio Art – it wasn’t until 2018 when Michael discovered the path he wanted to pursue: traditional, academic fine art.
Michael became enamoured with The Old Masters and Australian Impressionists such as Arthur Streeton and since has strived to improve his technical skill and theoretical understanding of fine art to pay homage to the tradition. Michael studied under Melbourne professional artist Ben Winspear for three years and has been under the tutelage of Regional professional artist Darren Crothers since 2021.
Michael was awarded the RAW Arts first prize in 2018 for his first-ever portrait that he completed from life and since has sold various works through art shows and private commissions across Victoria.
In 2019, Michael ventured on an artistic pilgrimage with Ben Winspear to Italy and Spain to study and appreciate works by Master Artists. This enlightening experience cemented Michael’s resolve to pursue representational art. While in Florence, Michael established connections with the Florence Classical Arts Academy and strives to complete study there in the future.
Michael loves to paint various subject matter including landscapes, portraits, and still life work. He endeavours to complete all work from life and honours his craft by following archival, traditional methods of painting. Representational art has deepened Michael’s connection to reality, as through developing his sight and theoretical understanding of colour, chroma, edges, form, light, and temperature, Michael has been able to view the environment and capture scenes in an ethereal, immediate, and impressionistic way.
Some of Michael’s most poignant moments have been painting en plein air and witnessing the magic of our world unfold through a vivid sunset, the dappled afternoon light in Rosalind Park, the glowing golden grass in Woodvale during summer, or the ultramarine violet hills of Harcourt’s striking vistas.
As a proud country artist, Michael aims to continue his studies and have the technical skills to produce work that promotes our local area and illuminates the beauty of country Victoria to the world. | 
