I began painting twelve years ago after taking twenty-five years off. What seemed to be a hobby quickly turned into a passion and I found myself constantly composing scenes before me and thinking about the myriad of possible ways to paint them. I continue to enjoy challenges and rewards as I pursue this passion. A goal of mine is to become a stronger painter every year. Through inspiration, composition, value and color I want to communicate to the viewer my love of light as it passes through the filter of this soul named Mike Henry.

A favorite quote of mine from Annie Dillards book Pilgrim at Tinker Creek sums up my condition: It is my leisure as well as my work, a game. It is a fierce game I have joined because it is being played anyway, a game of both skill and chance, played against an unseen adversary  the conditions of time  in which the payoff, which may suddenly arrive in a blast of light at any moment, might as well come to me as anyone else. I stake the time Im grateful to have, the energies Im glad to direct.

The virtual gallery opens on Friday, July 31. Join us to "meet the artist" and to view and learn about his work. Artist Talk will go live at 4 pm. Click here to view.