Michael Verbenec

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While in high school in Kansas City, Michael Verbenec was awarded two Scholastic National Awards for his work in Watercolor Painting. He went on to study at the University of Kansas, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting.

Moving to southern California, he continued to pursue his artistic vision while working in the field of video production. From 2001 to 2003, Michael exhibited his watercolor paintings in the Art-A-Fair Festival in Laguna Beach, where his work was featured in the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot. From 2002 to 2004, he served on the Art-A-Fair Foundation Board of Directors.

His work is currently on display at
Garboushian Gallery
in Beverly Hills and
Gallery 825
in Los Angeles.

Studio:
(323) 454-8051

Email:
info@michaelverbenec.com

Watercolor artist Michael Verbenec does a number of unexpected things in the collection he is showing at Art-A-Fair. He uses deeply saturated colors on paper: deep terra cotta colors and turquoise blues in his pueblo paintings, ink-like blacks in the "Defining Space" series. He works in grand abstract forms on large sheets of paper. These works have an amazing presence, utilizing the white of the paper with great discipline and skill. "Winter Aspens" defines the bark of the trees not with vertical lines--something that is so characteristic of slender aspen trunks--but with the horizontal, eye-like slits in the bark, executed in the purest black. Three paintings of slatted chair backs have a similar effect: Done in positive or negative against a brick wall, the chairs leave an impression behind them that is fascinating to the eye. It is shadow stripped down to its most basic elements.

Prepare to experience an audio visual trip into the world of the underground. With an assembled collection of video clips from the San Diego rave culture Michael Verbenec has brought forth a variety of footage that will either cause the viewer to reminisce over the festivities or , for the non participant, to enter into this cultural phenomenon through the looking glass, if you will. The scenes are all positive and convey the good vibes that are indicative to the festive atmosphere. The soundtrack, mixed by Jon Bishop, adds to the accurate description by accenting the footage with tracks that place the viewer within the confines of this movement in dance. This is the first in a series to be produced by Michael and we look forward to his next venture. Relax...kick back and enjoy the trip.