By Jessica Blomquist
Staff Writer

August’s First Friday exhibit sponsored by The Madison Artists Guild and The Shops at Icehouse Underground will feature works by artist Wayne McMichael.

McMichael specializes in watercolor portraiture, graphic design, web design, and digital and natural media illustration.

He also recently photographed a wedding for the first time.

“I am an artist in every way I can be one,” McMichael said, in an e-mail correspondence.

Though he is formally trained in graphic arts, McMichael enjoys fine art and portraiture. He began painting with watercolor in 1979 and when he was asked to paint a portrait of the president of the Oxford Industries in Vidalia, he realized that he had a talent for painting portraits. Following that, he was commissioned to paint his first portrait in 1988.

Using photographs of his subject, McMichael paints realistic watercolor portraits which many people mistakenly identify as a touched-up photograph using a photo filter technique.

“I use watercolors in a photo realistic fashion and capture the picture in detail,” McMichael said. “The trick is to get that near perfect picture that captures the subject, their character or their essence in a setting that displays good composition.”

McMichael moved to Madison from Vidalia at the recommendation of friends and because of the city’s strong artist community.

“Madison is such a friendly place; it’s easy to fall in love with it,” McMichael said.

McMichael is excited about the opportunity to have his art featured in the gallery.

“I am thrilled to be here [in Madison] and to be so well received by the artist’s community,” said McMichael. “I appreciate the opportunity to display my work.”

McMichael’s artwork will be featured at The Shops at the Icehouse Underground located at 271 West Washington Street beginning with an opening reception on August 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wine and refreshments will be served. The exhibit will run through the month of August. The gallery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.