Machiel (Mike) Scholte
Door Stop, 10 x 14 Watercolour
About a year after retirement Machiel began watercolour classes on a weekly basis which he continued for five years. As well, continuous study from instructional art books and attending numerous art demonstrations has broadened his knowledge and honed his technical painting skills.
Mike’s work consists of realistic watercolour landscapes and still life. Although based on his own photos he has not attempted to do photo realistic work. Mike’s goal has been to render a more painterly realistic representation of the subject matter by working with the lighting, tone, colour and, in particular, texture.
The subject matter he likes to do includes old buildings, seascapes, rural landscapes, local parks, old worn farm implements and still life. Many of these subjects tell a story such as old worn furniture and structures or include animals or people at work or play.
Mike also enjoys participating in art groups and has joined the Art Guild of Scarborough, PineRidge Arts Council and the Toronto Watercolour Society. Through these groups he has met many other artists and has learned so much from them and by participating in juried art shows, critiques, and demonstrations by other artists. With these groups Mike has participated in many juried art shows and in 2016 became a signature member of the Toronto Watercolour Society.
Mike has also participated in several solo exhibitions with the PineRidge Arts Council in the Durham region.
Paintings and graphite portraits, including commissioned works are hanging in private collections in Toronto, Ottawa, Cobourg, Collingwood, Vancouver and Holland.
Autumn Abstract, 10 x 14 Watercolour
Ten Speed Planter, 10 x 14 Watercolour
Rouge Valley Snow, 11 x 14 Watercolour