Born in 20th century America, Michael Conrad Guilmet pursues Art in the 21st century. Raised in the historical states of northern New England, he lived a decade in the Deep South, another decade in Beverly Hills. Years of looking in the cities and landscapes of America give form to his voice.

"Painting is an insatiably selfish activity. The genesis is the irrepressible human need to acquire understanding through visual perception. It's a process of intention, exploration and realization, which elicits meaning."

The influences shaping Michael's work span a continuum of creation from antiquity to present. The art and theory of Renaissance, Baroque and 20th Century painters interest him most. From this inclusive position he excavates the knowledge to reflect his own themes and experience.

"My paintings aren't about 'realism', or 'imitation', I'm not a naturalist painter, There is no Art in Nature and from concept to finish, my goal is Art. A paintings purpose is it's own existence. It might show you a slice of the world through new eyes, inspire a new thought, or evoke some unexpected emotion. You might wonder what you see or question it's meaning, and it might bring you back to itself again. Until the final brushstroke, the painting is mine. When I'm done, the painting is yours."