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About me

Me paintingI was born in Agen, south west France. As far as I remember, I have always been doodling on my schoolbooks margins or on the class tables, which costed me a fair number of punishments. Attracted to any form of creation, I've mostly devoted my teenage years to computer creation, passionate about programming, and had to wait until the age of eighteen before I got involved into painting, thanks to my exciting street art (not to say graffiti) period. In parallel I have tried a lot of painting technics, such as airbrushing that sounded like the natural tool for switching from walls to paper.
I was about 22 when, tired of the ephemeral nature of graffiti, I really started to get involved into drawing. I practiced a lot thanks to various crafts for my engineering school's gazette, party posters or t-shirts. Thanks to the final discovery of oil painting, I finally felt was painting meant.
The serious decision of becoming a painter came after my sterile, unartistic, one-year long experience of engineer's work.

Currently, I'm running a software programming studio in Bordeaux. Despite this time consuming daytime activiy, I take painting very seriously, forcing myself to paint everyday, little or a lot.

My personal style that had refined with years is characterized by an obsessive attention to details, which makes the creation of a canvas an extremely long process.
Due to the long and intense dedication it requires for me to paint, I have developed a quite ambiguous relationship with painting: the activity that's liberating me from the fast-paced rhythm of modern life and its mind-corrupting productivity exigencies, is the very one that plunge myself into a deep solitude and inner worrying.
Despite a colorful palette and some apparently positive themes, I don't manage to hide a certain sadness, and a loneliness palpable.
I'm sure of one thing anyway: painting is saving my soul.

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Guestbook

Michaël
Dec. 18, 2010 23:10
Hi Crystal, thanks for your lovely message and for featuring these works in your blog ! Keep up the love for art :)
Michaël
Oct. 8, 2010 20:58
Hi Sheila,
I'm glad I have a living homonym ! How old's your son ?
I'm not sure about the origin of the name. It comes from Italy, though my grand-father told it could have roots in Austria. No clue about its meaning. Where are you from ?
Kit
Jun. 30, 2010 4:30
your artwork is beautiful. :) Out of curiosity, did you go to an arts school/atelier? Thank you. :)
Michaël
Jun. 30, 2010 22:21
Thanks! I did not; i have missed attending a school for a long time. Now, not only I think it's not mandatory, but also it's still time to attend. I'm currently pondering that idea.
analiza
May 5, 2010 22:13
I leave real world very often. When people talk to me, I sometimes stop listening to them and start listening to voices in my head and see different things. I'm in my world... :)... mhmm...

The worst thing is that i can't 'go' there when I'm sad. Real world becomes so overwhleming. I haven't learnt yet how to run away when I really need to. Why is that? Why the worst things of real world are so powerful that they don't let me go?

But when I look at your paintings, they help me to return to world which I know so well, after all these years :), Maybe just for a few seconds, minutes but still... they know my soul. Don't you think it's a beautiful thing? You should be proud of yourself!
I'd like to thank you for that! :)
Michaël
May 8, 2010 1:19
I too am reaching for a place where to escape from real world. Painting's the right hideaway, but most of the time, getting there require a fight. I understand what you mean by reality being overwhelming. I think that stopping the clocks, forgetting about time, acting slow, taking months, years to achieve a painting is a great weapon against the fast-paced, devouring busyness of our lives.
Erica
Apr. 15, 2010 18:42
You are such an inspiration to me -- and to think that I've only seen your deviantart page today.

Every word you say is like the fresh smell of mint and the artworks you create is given life by you're undying passion for arts.

I wish I'd be as passionate as you are because I'm kind of insecure about my art style. people somewhat judge my artworks to much and i hope someday, I'll be able to release my inner potential -- and I wish that I could meet you one day and talk to you about art (even though I'm on the south east coast of the earth). Haha!

Inspire more people and blessed be!
Michaël
May 8, 2010 1:33
You know you should really not matter about people's judgements, and trust your own will instead. Improving your self-criticism could improve your technics, and letting yourself go freely, will preserve the freshness of your creativity. I'm not saying that one shouldn't listen to critics and advices; but one certainly has to be careful with those. Every word that attack or lower down your creative will should remain unheard.
Michaël Zancan
Dec. 23, 2006 18:49
Livre d'or / Guestbook
Si vous aimez le site, n'hésitez pas à laisser un petit mot ici, cela me ravira :)
If you like the site, I'd love to get a short hello from you here!
moi
Jan. 16, 2007 15:14
Est bizarre je trouve ton web site très jolie, mon tableau préfère est la jolie papillon au crayon, mais ton diary je préfère ne lire rien.

La fille avec le accent craquant
Jessica
Jan. 22, 2007 6:50
I was browsing through deviantart, when i came upon the Home and Faeries artwork. I must say, you are really talented! I wanted to leave a comment for asking permission to display a print out of some of your work, for my resource book for my art classes? Whenever we find something that we like, or inspires us, we have to give information and examples, and I absolutely love your work!
Michaël
Jan. 22, 2007 10:25
Of course, I'd be glad if you did.
Glenn
Jan. 29, 2007 23:56
do you sell your originals?
Martin
Jan. 30, 2007 4:29
Good work man, just like Dalí.
Sam
Feb. 14, 2007 0:04
De liens en liens (professionnels) je tombe finalement sur votre site, et découvre avec un peu un sentiment de voyeurisme une face cachée de votre vie et de votre personnalité. Fan de BD, je suis bluffé par la précision et le réalisme du trait que j'apprécie chez des auteurs comme Bourgeon (le cycle de cyann, tome 1 et 2 notamment). Bravo pour tout ce travail, pour cette passion et surtout quel talent !
Michaël
Feb. 14, 2007 9:59
Quel plaisir pour moi que vous me rappeliez Le cycle de Cyann...voyage luxuriant et fantastique, une des références les plus marquantes de ma découverte du dessin, peut-être la plus importante maintenant que j'y songe.
Caeline
Apr. 16, 2007 23:03
Your work is truly beautiful and inspiring. I'm wondering, if you'd mind if I make a banner using your art to link to your website (from my website).
Michaël
Apr. 17, 2007 10:41
Of course I wouldn't mind. I should already have provided one of those banners but I must be too busy or too lazy?
Gael
May 6, 2007 22:48
Lorsque deux artistes se rencontrent, et que l'un deux tombe sous le charme du talent de l'autre ...on obtient quoi? un fan ? lol
Bon, je pourrais te faire des tas d'éloges, des tas de commentaires, mais je vais rester simple et bref : ton site est tout bonnement splendide et tes oeuvres me transportent toujours autant ! Surtout ne t'arrête pas !
Bonne continuation !!

Gael (d'agen...heu bordeaux maintenant, enfin bref l'ami d'Adrien)
Michaël
May 26, 2007 11:22
Je suis un peu bloqué en ce moment hélas, l'autre côté de ma double vie étant devenu si possessif et accaparant... mais la privation attise mon désir de replonger dans la peinture plus profondément encore.
Merci d'être passé me rendre visite!
Jenna
May 12, 2007 17:23
I must say that your art really does amaze me. I don't think that I have seen anything like it before, or at least not in a very long time. For one, I love how real it all looks and then you add this twist in the reality. I love how detailed everything is, your backgrounds most of all.

At first I thought that you were just using some cg program to color, but then I noticed you said that you painted it. Hope you don't mind me asking but what did you use to paint? I just started playing around with acrylics and oil pastels but they don't look anything like your colorings. Maybe its just I don't know jack about techniques yet? Anyways, I would love to talk to you about your art and inspirations some time, that is, if you're willing?

~Jenna
Michaël
May 12, 2007 18:27
That was a nice comment Jenna.
I use mainly oil paints, which are still widely used by artists, but those don't showcase they art much on the internet. When I began to paint I bought a cheap box of primary colors and started to play around with them. It all came naturally after a little while. You should give it a try, it's not that hard. You can give me a shout if you'd like to hear more insightful tips someday.
Michaël
Aug. 25, 2007 12:26
Réponse bien tardive à un bien bel hommage. Je te remercie dans un bruissement des ailes de tous ces drôles d'oiseaux que le pouvoir du rêve nous permet de toucher.
Alezane
Aug. 12, 2007 14:21
C'est une découverte extraordinaire pour moi... certaines toiles me laissent sur le c... je veux dire c'est fort, émotionnellement, et très beau, entre ombres et lumières, elles sont là, c'est le mois d'août, leur fête. Sincèrement bravo, et merci merci merci...
Michaël
Aug. 25, 2007 11:42
Merci Alezane, tout le plaisir est mien, de recevoir ces beaux echos.
J'ai Jante
Oct. 2, 2007 22:42
I see that we have a lot in common. I also started out as a programmer in my high school and college days until a few months ago, when I got fed up with the non-artistic life of my computer work. I discovered the wonder of painting and I have started on a new course to focusing on art.

Thank you for showing your paintings to the world. Merci, Merci. They are truly inspiring for someone like me. Just turned 22, and new to the relaxing, yet exciting world of painting. I hope that when I am your age, I can create something as wonderful. Also, I hope I can learn your language, Je ne parle pas encore très bien le français... but I'm learning!
Michaël
Oct. 12, 2007 15:08
It's great you found some completeness in the act of painting; finding the right balance between making art and living is a tough battle nowadays. And good luck with your french :)
mendie
Oct. 4, 2007 17:04
petit bonjour d'une employée du canadien j'adore ton site et tes dessins. Petite suggestion pour la déco du resto "te présenter au boss et proposer tes services". Sinon bravo pour ton site
Michaël
Oct. 12, 2007 15:02
On m'écrit parfois du Canada... mais du Canadien c'est une première, et ça fait bizarre. Je ne vais plus oser venir!
Mais si... merci en tout cas.
Claudia
Nov. 18, 2007 20:01
Hm... Iam really impressed of both your art and your website...it is really fantastic. I like your painting style, it has gt such a creativaé and great mixture of realistic and fantasy elements. I must say hearing that yoiu actually started painting with 22 gives me hope for my own artistic development...

Go on with your great work!
Michaël
Nov. 18, 2007 23:06
I don't know your age, but in hindsight I think I didn't have the maturity to paint well back in my early twenties. I also consider that everything is yet to be learnt, so don't focus on the age: painting is a lifetime long learning experience.
And thanks for the kind words. I'm keeping on anyway, whatever the obstacle coming my way!

Michaël
Jan. 14, 2008 16:46
I'm not sure I could handle it.. I never attend any class myself, so I don't feel like I'm legitimate to teach anything... as you mentioned it's more a question of "wisdom" than technique, seen as a state of mind, passion, inner doors opened to dreams...
And hello Denmark! (just a lil bit late ooops :/ )
Kimia
Jan. 3, 2008 18:22
Your paintings are Amazing.
Tadziq
Jan. 12, 2008 12:36
Impressive works, indeed. I'm really fond of your style which connects both care for details and intriguing imaginative visions. I like those antique/classical motives too. Keep up the good work!

Nice site too, by the way. ;-)
Michaël
Jan. 14, 2008 16:40
Thanks for stopping by and dropping those warming up words..
Noreen
Mar. 22, 2008 8:55
Your work is wonderfully inspiring. Thank you very much for sharing. I'm nearly 19 now and I've just found painting and hope I reach your level some time. I'm finding it difficult though as everything I do doesn't turn out even close to what I had in my mind. Did you ever find that a problem at first, where you thought your work was utter rubbish.. or were you a natural from the beginning. I'm always interested in what people started off like and what they ended up like. Again, thanks for sharing, it's people like you that teach me to keep at it!
Michaël
Mar. 22, 2008 11:31
I did struggle, and I still do.
First it takes some time to study, observe, assimilate the theory that will help you guide up your creative energy towards the idea you're aiming at. It's even a daily, never-ending learning task.
In the meantime it requires you to free up yourself and let the gestures go, even imperfect; that takes time to, and is more related to the knowledge of yourself, I think.
But i'd say that the essence lies in two things: will, and work.
I always start an piece with flashes of the finished image displaying suddenly in my mind.
Then the flash needs to be remembered, deconstructed, thought off, tried out, and worked out. A lot of work. And it's never easy, you know.
So. Just keep up! ;)

Liza
Apr. 4, 2008 6:10
how can someone as beautiful as you be so lonley? I will never understand that
Michaël
Apr. 7, 2008 11:13
It depends both on your perception and my personality. There can be so much bias in between! And maybe what's to understand is that loneliness is, precisely, what you feel is beautiful.
Holly
Apr. 27, 2008 14:56
Your artwork is beautiful, and carries with it a delicacy of detail that I've rarely seen on canvas lately. I would dearly love to see these in the flesh. A shame I live in England, not France! Whilst from your own admission you paint so few works in a year, what does that matter for us? Any one of your pieces, no matter how long it takes for us to see it, is worth it. They are dear imagination incarnate. Thank you, for all your efforts.
Michaël
Apr. 27, 2008 18:34
This was very soothing. Please accept my thankfulness as well.
Michaël
Sep. 28, 2008 14:14
I began to paint quite late in fact, but after trying about every possible technique. As I try to focus to make a clear answer for you, I understand that it's not easy to gather facts and actions that guided me towards a particular style. I suppose that, being true to yourself, you end up painting with your personality. Finding a style might be alike finding who you are, which can take long depending on people.
Jenny
Sep. 30, 2008 13:04
Do you have a boyfriend? :D
Michaël
Sep. 30, 2008 14:18
ha ha! Do I look like I should have one?
kristen
Oct. 7, 2008 0:30
i just wanted to let you know that you have really inspired me to oil paint (and try a little more painting in general) are there any techniques that you have learned that you find helpful?
Michaël
Oct. 21, 2008 22:54
Hi Kristen... I would love to help but this is an impossible task you are asking. Painting is an ever-learning experience, and a beautiful journey. Keep faith! :)
Vladislav
Oct. 12, 2008 9:55
Gorgeous works. The combination of technical skills and talented art works is very rare thing and such people like u are of genious. Thanx for great time that your works made me contemplating them :) Greetings from Russia
Michaël
Oct. 21, 2008 23:09
Thank you! I visited your website, but I didn't much get it. Such a mysterious alphabet ;)
Ciro
Oct. 15, 2008 2:41
I won't say that you're incredibly, amazingly talented because many people have already told you that and you must know that by now. I will only say that I came across this website through DeaviantArt, and while marveling at your artwork I also read a lot of what you have written on here...and your honesty and your emotional rawness moved me deeply. You're not only a wonderful artist, you're a wonderful person. So...yeah, just remember that once, one night, your writings made a lonely, sleepless Italian guy almost misty-eyed at 2.40 am. Hope to catch you on DA soon! :)
Michaël
Oct. 21, 2008 23:05
Hi Ciro! I was very glad to hear, and it made me smile, too, which I thank you for. Yeah to Italy!
Fish
Nov. 7, 2008 18:13
As many others before me, I came across your website through DeviantArt.

I must say that I adore your work and your attention to detail. I am also prone to being obsessive over details... I can spend hours, days even, on one tiny element of a piece and if that bit goes wrong then the whole piece isn't worth it anymore.

I admire you very much for your technical ability and originality, also your thought-provoking writings, and look forward to seeing more of your work online soon.

Fish x
Michaël
Nov. 16, 2008 22:22
I've taken the tour to your gallery on DA ( just to verify your saying ;)) and I admit, your pencil works show you're even more crazy with details than me! Isn't it therapeutic somehow to immerse oneself for hours in those?
Thank you Fish for stopping by, and have more fun with pencils!
Etlek
Nov. 15, 2008 7:11
.... and yet in every stroke you have achieved to capture all there is in me. With your existence you have blessed my soul....... I am Etlek, age 21... all my live I have expressed myself through drawing and painting without making justice to the images that I see on my mind. I wish I only had the opportunity to learn the techniques..... I have learned all that I know about this art on my own, yet I know I can do better. By reading your bio and learning how late you began I then am hopeful for myself. With your work you have given me new energies. Thank you! I admire you deeply...
Michaël
Nov. 16, 2008 22:04
I think that painting, no matter the result, is an act of truth, where your inner essence, your emotions, the matter and the time marry. If you have that force boiling inside of you, then release it into art because it's more worthwhile than anything else, and something you will never regret for yourself. Fare well, Etlek, and thank you for posting!
Olivia
Nov. 26, 2008 22:18
I don't often come across artists that I feel strongly enough about them to leave a comment on their page, but I feel like it'd be criminal if I didn't at least mention how much I enjoy your paintings and sketches (and reading through the journal ;) I'm a painter myself...only for my own purposes, but nevertheless, I like seeing new things, and I think your page has helped inspire me.

I really don't know what I'm trying to say with this comment, haha, except that you have amazing talent. Technique isn't hard to learn, I believe it to be quite easy, but the originality I see in your work inspires me. I think inspiration is the most difficult part about painting...so in conclusion...your work is beautiful, and thank you :)
Michaël
Dec. 14, 2008 1:20
Ah, that was a long comment indeed, and I feel bad for not replying sooner. You are right about technique, it is just something to learn and with practice, anyone learns. The real essence of art is way beyond the mastery of tools. This undefined ability we'd like to catch on demand, but it's mischievous and untamable... sometimes, only sometimes, it gives you a spark of that magic powder.
See? I also can rant randomly about a subject ;)
It was nice of you to tell you enjoyed your time as a viewer.
shuxian
Nov. 30, 2008 19:43
I happened to be browsing deviantart again after a long time and I couldn't help but notice your paintings. Not only are they technically sound (and usually paintings which are like so tend to fall short of being emotionally gripping or stylistically unique) but yours are seriously ethereal. I love the fantasy landscapes. Your colour palette is also so dreamy and beautiful I can just stare at these for hours... which I'm actually doing now when I'm supposed to be sleeping.

I just had to comment after reading your writings and especially the line about painting saving your soul. It's just so good to know of someone so talented like yourself being so humble, hardworking and passionate... I do believe painting saves souls too. I can't imagine ever giving up to paint and thank you for being a motivation and my new favourite artist to watch.
Michaël
Dec. 14, 2008 1:13
Then I have been visiting your journal and could watch your drawings. I found them so lively! The perspectives are impeccable and the cropping you chose are audacious. I really felt comfortable inside the mood they conveyed: softness, authenticity, and all those details seeming perfectly in place.
Your paintings are also very good, vibrant, and still this unusual cropping that seems natural to you.
I didn't browse backwards for too long, but all I can say is that I really enjoyed my visit. Thank you!
Michaël
Mar. 12, 2009 1:00
It's really nice you think so :)
I checked your gallery, and must say, I saw serious skill there. Keep up, ok?
Michaël
Feb. 23, 2009 2:03
Yep :)
It's easy to find! But so you know, I'm not using it much.
Michaël
Mar. 12, 2009 0:51
Il m'a toujours semblé que se laisser porter sur le chemin déterministe de la vie d'ingénieur était le plus simple, le plus évident et confortable. Il faut redoubler d'entêtement, et un renoncement à pas mal de privilèges, pour se donner vraiment à la peinture. C'est un combat; contre certains clivages, d'abord ( un ingénieur est froid et pragmatique, il ne peut pas être artiste) mais avant tout, contre soi-même. Il nous faut mettre sans cesse dans la balance le poids de nos motivations.
Ne pas en faire un métier, c'est peut-être précisément à cause de cette illégitimité en temps que peintre, dans les milieux qui ont autorité. ( pour l'instant, j'estime avoir trop à prouver, et tente en restant en retrait de ne pas trop compromettre mes motivations envers l'art )
Merci pour tes encouragements, et de ton côté, si telle est ta passion, essaye de ne pas la décevoir, mais attention, elle ne t'emmènera pas forcément le bonheur et la gloire ;)
Moa
Mar. 3, 2009 21:28
Je ne sait trouver les mot pour decrire ces émotions qui m'emmenne au pays des reves tant par l'imaginaire entourant vos oeuvre que par leur réalisation graphique.
j'ai découvert vos oeuvre dans le livre l'art de la fantaysie et les seul qui m'ont skotcher sont les votres.
Mes deux tableaux favoris sont : "Larmes de Joie dans le Jardin des Géants" et "Entrée de Luxuriance"
Un merveilleux travaille.
Michaël
Mar. 12, 2009 0:27
Il y a de très belles choses dans ce recueil, mais cela reste très codifié: peu s'écartent vraiment des monstres et autres guerriers bardés de fer. C'est le genre qui veut ça...
Merci pour ton agréable message!
:((
Mar. 4, 2009 5:07
you make me sad..................... :((
Michaël
Mar. 12, 2009 0:19
Why so ?
Christine
Mar. 11, 2009 2:25
You are an absolutely amazing awe-inspiring, talented artist. I love your artwork.
Michaël
Mar. 12, 2009 1:03
Thanks a lot, for the lovely word.
:((
Mar. 12, 2009 17:02
nothing...............................
aline
Mar. 13, 2009 19:45
je suis tout à fait estomaquée par ce travail. Il réveille mes sens, vient complètement chercher le plus fort de mes sentiments, me donne des frissons et m'émeut. tout ceci en même temps, parce qu'une telle energie se dégage de vos oeuvre. Je me sens comprise, dans ma nature humaine elle-même!! enfin, quelqu'un qui ressent la vie...Voilà. je peux me tromper, ce sont des sentiments. Ils n'ont rien de logique, mais tout de beau. Merci. Merci pour ces instants de vérité avec l'Art.
Michaël
Apr. 8, 2009 20:02
On pourra dire que mes toiles auront rempli leur mission émotionnelle et inspiratoire bien en-deçà de mes espérances! Je suis très heureux que cela vous ait touchée. Merci pour le petit mot!
Krista
Mar. 21, 2009 4:45
Your artwork is fantastic. As a college student studying illustration, I aspire to be that good one day.
Michaël
Apr. 8, 2009 20:17
I'm sure you'll be better! You know I started late, am slow working and approaching the climax. I'll be on the regressive slope soon. Yes, everyone gets old eventually. I hope not yet though ;)
Michaël
Jan. 18, 2010 22:41
I'm pleased that you could find the passion hidden in my paintings. I hope to continue to paint with deep feelings and unconditional faith, although I'm often scared that I someday loose the energy to fight the unartistic and the insensitive that are so virulent in this evil world out there.
Many thanks for the nice comment. You should definitely try out on paint. It is amazing on so many levels.
ty.
Jan. 16, 2010 5:48
you sir. amaze me. im seventeen years old and wish to be the man you are today.
from programming to painter you're work is breath-taking and inspiring.

hopefully i'll one day be someone like you
Michaël
Jan. 18, 2010 22:35
You will manage and even better! Nothing can prevent someone from succeeding except himself. It may take time, just keep up.