Michael Blessing spent his formative years in rural Montana, surrounded by the land, the people, and the experiences that small town America provided. Having discovered an inclination toward figurative painting, he favors a candid view of his modern subjects. In addition, he is drawn to portraits of historic western figures and Hollywood characters of the 1960’s and 70’s. As a kid growing up in mid last century America, brightly lit neon signs often captured Michael’s imagination and interest, prompting him to combine his love of painting the figure with his love of the nostalgic pull of neon in his ‘Neon West’ series.

As a rule, Michael Blessing is drawn to strong compositions, vibrant color, and bold lines. His figurative work and paintings of vintage Western nostalgia are widely appealing, often reminiscent of classic Americana, and have an edgy quality that is both contemporary and timeless.

Michael’s work has been featured in various publications, including Western Art & Architecture, Big Sky Journal, Montana Quarterly and Western Art Collector, and his paintings have won Awards of Excellence from both Western Art Collector and Southwest Art Magazines.

Awards:

2016 Boldbrush Award, Boldbrush Art Competition 2016 Second Place Figurative Division Mondial Art Academy Gallery Competition 2015 Best 2D, Art Across Montana, Waterworks Art Museum 2015 Public Art Installation, Big Sky Montana 2015 Southwest Art Magazine Award of Excellence 2015 Public Art Installation, Downtown Billings Montana 2014 Western Art Collector Magazine Award of Excellence 2014 SIG Grant, Montana Arts Council 2013 Public Art Installation, Downtown Bozeman Montana.