You know I have a weakness for interior and architectural watercolors, so I'm excited to introduce you to someone who not only values these paintings as I do, but one who can actually paint them too!
Interior designer and watercolorist Michael Hampton is a design jack of all trades. After starting out studying fashion design, Michael realized that pattern making and sewing was not his cup of tea. But the subject that did inspire him was fashion illustration, something which he says brought out his inner draftsman. This discovery led to Michael taking an architectural history class and later obtaining his BA in interior design. (How nice to find someone who figures out what they want to do in life in their twenties!)
Michael has had quite an enviable career as an interior designer, working for ten years for San Francisco designer Steven Volpe and for the past four years with Thomas Pheasant. And while he is quite passionate about his chosen career, he is equally as enthusiastic about his other love- architectural watercolors.
Like many of us, Michael has been influenced by the work of the great Andrew Zega and Bernd Dams, but he also cites Jeremiah Goodman, James Steinmeyer, and Mark Hampton as role models. While much of Michael's work has focused on French architecture, he is currently exploring English Baroque architecture. What I like about Michael's work is the range. In addition to his architectural renderings, he also paints charming interiors.
If you'd like to see some of Michael's works in progress, you must visit his blog Michael Hampton Watercolors. For someone as artistically challenged as I, it's fascinating to see the whole artistic process.
Pavilion at Vaux le Vicomte
A very chic study
A pen and ink drawing of the 1998 San Francisco Decorators Showcase
Drawing Room of Evangeline Bruce
Blue John Vase
Albert Hadley's Apartment
I am so jealous! I would love to be able to do watercolours. These are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I too love architectural and interior drawings. I have a series of etchings of stately homes in England that I have not yet framed (I do not have the perfect spot for them in the current house), but some day...
ReplyDeleteThe blogosphere is on fire these days! So many wonderful posts so far in 2009.
What a TALENT!!! What a great post!!! Now I am off to visit Mr. Hampton's website! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGlad y'all like it too. Sure wish I could paint!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to learn about Michael's work. Just adore the Bruce drawing room -- loved the color he captured.
ReplyDeleteGreat post...envy here...would love to paint.
ReplyDeleteAre you familiar with Vaux-le-Vicomte? I think its history would interest you since it is so tied to Versailles — which is one of your interests, I believe.
ReplyDeleteMs. Wis- I know a bit, but it's obvious that there is much to learn about it! Thank you for the suggestion :)
ReplyDeleteDid I miss something? No relation to Mark Hampton? One of my favorite books is "The Art of Friendship" by Duane Hampton, containing the precious watercolors done by her late husband, Mark. I am so glad to learn of Michael - what a talented guy!
ReplyDeleteHill Country- I don't believe he's any relation. But I think he's just as talented! Boy, to be able to interior design AND paint watercolors!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link...he is so talented!
ReplyDeleteMichael is not only talented, but he is one of the nicest people you could know. I am so pleased for him, and I hope he recieves lots of commissions. He is a delight to work with.
ReplyDelete