How did you become an artist?

I started drawing and painting at the tender age of 43 as an outlet to relieve stress. This quickly turned into a passion that keeps growing through the years.

Why watercolor as a primary medium?

I heard that watercolor was challenging. It was...and still is! I love the transparency and portability of watercolor. I can do things with watercolor that I can't do with other mediums: wet into wet washes, charging paint into damp washes to create effects that I could not orchestrate with a plan, and lifting paint from the paper to show highlights to name a few.

What one artist has influenced you the most?

About 5 years into my painting journey I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop from a watermedia and color theory master named Stephen Quiller. One year later he asked me to be his assistant for his Creede, Colorado workshops held every August. That was 14 years ago. I am grateful for the time I spend with Steve and continue to absorb as much wisdom from him as I can.

What is the "allure" of watercolor?

The definition of allure as a noun is: "The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating." Our local community college used to have a "free college day," which offered residents an opportunity to spend an hour listening to lectures on topics of interest, or creating some art by drawing or painting. My watercolor classes filled up quickly, not because of me, but because I believe watercolor is powerfull, mysterious, and magical!

Do you paint outdoors? (en plein air)

I do paint on location when possible because it's fun, relaxing, and rewarding. There is no better way to work on the values of light and dark in nature than to be immersed in it. Quite often I will create watercolor sketches outdoors to get the impression I am attracted to and then finish the painting in my studio where I can personalize, rather than be locked into, what was actually there.

Tranquil Watercolor Art for Your Home

COMMISSION A PIECE

Looking for that perfect piece for your home?

Most people begin their art search by searching the Internet, attending art shows, visiting galleries, or meeting with interior designers.

This is a drain on your time and your energy.

I understand. You know what you like when you see it, but finding that perfect piece can be frustrating.

Perhaps you simply love watercolor or you grew up in the North or the Midwest. Or maybe you're looking for an original landscape painting that will bring all of your decor together in your living room — or in your office.

I have good news.

You can stop looking through piece after piece of landscapes and talk with me.

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Commission a Piece of Art for Your Home

A commission with me is a fast track to finishing your office or home decor with less stress.

Consider A Commission with Mike Henry

The nice part of a commission is that:

We (you and I) are in charge of the process.
The painting becomes personal —a piece you connect with and you can pass down to future generations.

Do you have a lake in Michigan you visited every year growing up?

Do you have a favorite spot in Mackinac Island that you have visited with your family?

I can bring that to life with watercolor and give you a piece of art you and your family will connect with for decades to come.

Meet Mike Henry

Watercolor Artist

I have been painting with water media since 2004, first as a hobby now as a passion. I love the transparency of watercolor and the way it glows and depicts light. These qualities show in my work and communicate my perspective of the world to the viewer.

I've had work accepted into the Michigan Watercolor Society, Kansas Watercolor Society, Watercolor Artist Magazine - December 2016, issue "Ones to Watch", and Splash 18, 19 and 20 (Artist Network international publication.)

Hear from Owners of Mike Henry's Art

As an avid collector of Mike's work, I am continually drawn to the sense of peace that can be found in each painting. Mike does such a great job capturing the light that brings life to the world around us. His works help set a calming mood in both my office and my home."

Ann Harrington

"Mike's paintings bring a little of the outdoor beauty inside to be enjoyed and received at will. I have really enjoyed his work in my home."

Valerie Hoste

"Years ago, I strolled through an exhibit of local artists. One watercolor 'pulled me in.' I was fascinated and impressed by the artist's use of color, depth, and layers of light and dark. That artist was Mike Henry."

Judy Kellerman

"I have followed Mike's painting career for 14 years and what draws me to his landscape paintings is his use of color and light to share his love of nature."

Karen Kelley

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions do you have for me? Here are just a few questions people like you tend to ask.

How did you become an artist?

I started drawing and painting at the tender age of 43 as an outlet to relieve stress. This quickly turned into a passion that keeps growing through the years.
Why watercolor as a primary medium?

I heard that watercolor was challenging. It was...and still is! I love the transparency and portability of watercolor. I can do things with watercolor that I can't do with other mediums: wet into wet washes, charging paint into damp washes to create effects that I could not orchestrate with a plan, and lifting paint from the paper to show highlights to name a few.
What one artist has influenced you the most?

About 5 years into my painting journey I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop from a watermedia and color theory master named Stephen Quiller. One year later he asked me to be his assistant for his Creede, Colorado workshops held every August. That was 14 years ago. I am grateful for the time I spend with Steve and continue to absorb as much wisdom from him as I can.
What is the "allure" of watercolor?

The definition of allure as a noun is: "The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating." Our local community college used to have a "free college day," which offered residents an opportunity to spend an hour listening to lectures on topics of interest, or creating some art by drawing or painting. My watercolor classes filled up quickly, not because of me, but because I believe watercolor is powerfull, mysterious, and magical!
Do you paint outdoors? (en plein air)

I do paint on location when possible because it's fun, relaxing, and rewarding. There is no better way to work on the values of light and dark in nature than to be immersed in it. Quite often I will create watercolor sketches outdoors to get the impression I am attracted to and then finish the painting in my studio where I can personalize, rather than be locked into, what was actually there.
Do you bundle up with layers of clothing and use alcohol instead of water to paint on location during the coldest times of Michigan winters?

No.

Commission a watercolor painting for your home or office.

Search my store for available pieces or commission a piece of art that is perfect for your home. I specialize in tranquil watercolor that is the perfect fit for living rooms and office spaces.

CONTACT MIKE

More About Your Work

Painting with watercolor through the filter of this soul named Mike Henry

Along with sight, I encourage viewers to use other senses while viewing my paintings. An atmospheric painting of a late winter/early spring painting, with its damp, cool air, has a scent to it. When I view a painting like this, my sense of smell signals that a new season is about to begin. The hazy background with its soft edges, give this painting a depth that can be walked into.

Lost and found edges are part of my painting process. Our eyes are attracted to hard edges, especially an edge that defines a very dark and very light shape. Our eyes also like to roam throughout the painting, and lost , or soft edges encourage this. Lost edges can also add a sense of mystery to a painting. An example of this is to have a passage of paint that is almost white gradated into the white of the paper.

I like to use bright white Arches 140lb. watercolor paper to show off warm and cool light areas of my paintings. And to show off those lights, I sometimes have too much fun putting in a shadow or some dark shapes to accomplish that.

Even More About Your Work

Making Connections That Go Deep Through Painting

One of the benefits of being a painter is that when I create a painting of a location that I have visited, it has helped deepen my connection to that place and time. This off-road trail exemplifies that idea.

In my home I have a painting of a Scotland harbor, created by Steve Quiller while I was with him as part of a workshop. This painting deepens the connection I have with that place, and with Steve.

I have pretty deep roots here in the thumb of Michigan. Along with plenty of water, there is an abundance of farm land. Through the seasons, this land will display a variety of color. With the use of a limited palette, and staying with a neutral color scheme, I can depict the transition of winter to spring. I believe beauty can be found anywhere, even in a muddy field. It all depends on one's point of view.

An unusual point of view can add mystery to a painting. A worm's eye view can form an abstract composition that can cause a viewer to ask: " What is it?" This painting of horseshoes hanging on a wooden fence gave me an opportunity to use some translucent blue watercolor paint to accentuate the warm, transparency of the subject.

And that is how I think!