About Mike and his Art
Mules with Wagon #2
J. Michael (Mike) Harris currently resides in Manteo, NC, but has lived in many parts of the United States and abroad. His realistic style of painting rural landscapes using watercolor, pen and ink and/or acrylic medium is popular among friends and business acquaintances alike. His paintings may be found in homes and offices from Canada to Japan and in many of the United States. He shows regularly at the North Carolina State Fair, having been awarded several “Honorable Mentions” for his work. Other shows he has participated in are the Cary Spring Daze Festival, FALC and “Guest Artist” at several area business offices.
Whether Harris is painting a rustic tobacco barn, a deserted mountain cabin, a grist mill, a house portrait or a beach scene, his goal is to communicate a sense of peace to the viewer. “I hope all of my work will bring back a viewer’s memories of a time and place long forgotten or dreamed about. The colors I use are selected to help evoke those memories.”
Harris is a self-taught watercolorist. He has painted for about 15 years following encouragement from his wife, his mother (also an artist) and many acquaintances. “I try to paint what I see but I often leave out or add minor details to make the picture more appealing to the viewer. Watercolor is expressive, yet unpredictable. It leaves me plenty of room for interpretation.” Harris creates his soft, realistic style by layering washes of paint until just the right color and mood are achieved. Occasionally, acrylic and/or ink are used with watercolor paints to highlight items or to bring the viewers’ attention to certain features within the painting.
“God has given me this talent to use and develop as I will. Hopefully, you will enjoy what I have crafted. A portion of every purchase of my work is pledged to the Building Fund at our Church.”
Mike's Art Gallery Part 1
