A Michael Deas painting characteristically intrigues with its masterful interweaving of light
and shadow coupled with exquisite detail. With distinctive poses and eyes that initiate direct
contact, his subjects' multi-faceted personalities are illuminated.
Born in Norfolk, VA in 1956, Deas demonstrated his talent and affinity for painting
while still very young. As a high school student he began working with oils, the medium he
still uses exclusively on hard-board panels, which afford him the luxury of greater detail. Deas
went on to study painting at Pratt Institute in New York City, where he received his first
commissions to illustrate children's books. There he earned the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts
and graduated with honors. Deas continued his studies at Byam Shaw College of Art in
London, and later worked as an instructor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
His portraits of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean were chosen by the U.S. Postal
Service for the commemorative stamps honoring these legendary stars. "To achieve a sense of
light and mood, I use a traditional, classical approach," he explains. "I always do an
underpainting, to which I apply many semi-opaque and transparent glazes. Although
time-consuming, this approach gives a wonderful sense of light and form."
Deas' honors include four medals from the Society of Illustrators - the Gold Medal in
1991, 1993 and 1996 and the Silver Medal in 1994. His art has been exhibited at the Art
Directors Club and The Original Art Show in New York City. A resident of Brooklyn Heights,
Deas is currently working on several other portrait commissions for the U.S. Postal Service.
BIRTHPLACE: Norfolk, VA
EDUCATION: Pratt Institute, New York, NY
Byam Shaw College of Art, London, England
EXHIBITIONS: Art Directors Club, New York, NY
The Original Art Show, New York, NY
AWARDS: 1991, 93, 96 Gold Medal, Society of Illustrators
1994 Silver Medal, Society of Illustrators
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