Rowland's painting lends a rare intimacy to captured moments, and slices of local life, as well as depicting familiar urban and rural surroundings in a refreshingly positive light. His considered painterly style lends itself effortlessly to a varied array of subjects, making this solo show a must see for collectors and browsers alike.
Mike Rowland began his career in graphic design, later completing a degree from Elam School of Fine Arts, before going on to work in the field of restoration. But Rowland ultimately realised that his real desire as an artist was to observe and express emotion, and he now paints fulltime.
His first solo exhibition was held in a basement gallery in Auckland's K'Rd. Among his achievements, Michael has created challenging and exciting commission work - including a large stage facade mural for the Nambassa Music Festival; large panel murals for the Future of Auckland exhibit at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and an interior mural for Progressive Music Recording Studios.
Rowland paints in both acrylic and oil on canvas and board, and draws directly with paint. His works include detailed foreshortened streetscapes, portraits, and sometimes the artist chooses to mix fantasy with documentary. Mike has exhibited extensively both in New Zealand and internationally.