Artist: Paul Michael Columbus
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How would you describe your art style?
Abstract Surrealism
How long did it take to complete this piece? What is your art process?
This piece took about 12 hours to complete, I did several rough drafts before I decided on the style I wanted to use for the lion and the skyline. My process normally consists of a much looser format in my painting.
Where can we see some of your other pieces?
I currently have a few pieces that are on permanent display in the downstairs gallery of the Aloft Hotel in Downtown Orlando. I also have an Upcoming Solo Show In City Arts Factory in Downtown Orlando. My girlfriend Jennifer Friedland and I regularly show our work around the Central Florida Area and have 2 more Solo Shows TBA in the back half of 2018
What was the largest piece you've ever painted?
I have several of my large Phantom Faces Series on canvases that are 4 by 5 feet. Last year I also did a very large mural in West Art District of Downtown Orlando.
Where are you from?
I was born in Charlotte North Carolina, but have lived in Central Florida since I was 6 years old, I grew up in Oviedo Florida, where I went to Oviedo High School.
What does it mean to you to be apart of the growing art culture in Orlando?
It means a lot to me to be apart of this community, period. I take an enormous amount of pride in my Orlando Heritage, and our diverse culture. Our growing Art Community is something that everyone should take notice of, we have some of the top emerging talent in the country. New Art Galleries are opening all the time and the amount of business and offices (displaying art) continues to grow steadily. I love to represent for the city and create to help cultivate this tremendous art culture growing here in my hometown.
How did you get into art?
I have always been a creative person ever since I can remember but in 2014 I began to paint as a therapeutic device to deal with my father's diagnosis with cancer. When I met my girlfriend later in that year I began to paint more and more. We decided to bring our stuff out to Artlando that year and that inspired and spurred the start of my career as an Artist, and have I have not looked back since. Every piece of art I create is to pay tribute to my father and his legacy to "Live with Love."
