About Me

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I am an artist working in Water Color, Oils, Glass and wood in North Central Indiana. I enjoy Plein Aire work the most but often find myself in the studio during the winter when the weather is less than desirable for working on location. I have always been an artist, memories of drawing are some of my oldest. My early influence came from looking at old magazine covers done by Norman Rockwell. Later I discovered the photography of Edward Curtis as he had struggled to capture the American Indians of the Southwest before that culture completely disappeared. then I found Andrew Wyeth and knew what I wanted to paint. The Egg Tempera and Water Color Paintings of Andrew Wyeth were simply wonderful and I was forever committed to painting the rural landscape and those that live there. It was then I realized I would never again see the land as I had before I painted it. Soon after it was Winslow Homer and his Water Colors that kept feeding my interest in this medium and a traditional approach to my art. While I left the life as a professional artist for a time I find my return to it at this point in my life refreshing. Life is a journey and I am turning towards home. Mike Yazel

Sunday, December 18, 2011

A little one from last week

   A little water color from last weekend as I start to warm up the brushes for an all out art assault in the coming weeks as I prepare for a Gallery show that begins mid January.

Friday, December 9, 2011

One from the engraving bench today

    I did this little Rough Rider Hunter style knife today. I like this style because of the large bolsters that give me a lot of area for engraving. These knives are imported but have nice fit and finish and a snappy lock on the blade. I have it listed on Etsy if you are interested, click here to see it. Thanks for looking!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Eagle Knife

    Well today was my last show of the year so I am going to concentrate on filling some orders now and this is one of them. I started this knife last week and finished it up and am now working on a mate to it for a customer. This is an all Stainless Buck Gentlemans knife and they engrave pretty nice and give you a little more canvas to work with than the similar Case model. I engrave both the Buck and Case knives and normally let the subject somewhat decide which knife I choose. The reverse side of this one has the same scrolls and a banner with a name on it in place of the Eagle. Thanks for checking out my work and if you are interested in something for Christmas you need to get in touch with me real soon!