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Michael Callihan paintings at Saper Galleries

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Michigan Impressions: Oil Paintings by Michael Callihan

Since our exhibition of oil paintings by Michigan's Michael Callihan that opened December 2, 2016 we have added many new Callihan paintings available and shown below.

Our first exhibition of Michael Callihan paintings opened Sunday, November 4, 2007 where guests had the opportunity to meet the artist. Thirty unique oil paintings were then exhibited, many unveiled to the public for the first time!

Callihan canvases do not stay around very long so contact us soon to confirm availability or reserve any that may be of interest to you. On the bottom of this page are photos of 75 paintings that are no longer available. If your preferred paintings are already sold, we could request that the artist create a similar painting for you in any desired size. Do contact us about having a special Michael Callihan painting created just for you!

Enjoy the most recent additions to our Callihan collection in the photographs shown below!

Michael and Sue Callihan in front of Saper Galleries.

Artist Michael Callihan with the Saper Galleries team.

Morning Light < Newest painting in 2021!
Oil on canvas, 32 x 48"
$3,750

Peaceful Scene < New!
Oil on canvas, 44 x 60"
$6,000

Light and Shadow
Oil on canvas, 22 x 52"
Sorry, sold for $4,000

Winding Meadow <New and on display now!
Oil on canvas, 36 x 48"
$4,850

Sun Delivery <New and on display now!
Oil on canvas, 38 x 52"
$5,000

Fall Ferns <New and on display now!
Oil on canvas, 36 x 52"
$4,250

Cloud Bank <New and on display now!
Oil on canvas, 32 x 48"
$3,750

Born in Hastings, Michigan and raised in a small house in Freeport with a large family, Mike Callihan would often escape, wandering through the fields and along dirt roads or fishing in Coldwater Creek, with friends or alone, soaking up the peace and tranquility he found there.

This communion with nature would mold his life and his art.

Initially, he tried his hand at industrial pursuits. After high school he worked first as a welder, then as a commercial painter. Yet he couldn't settle for merely manufacturing products or rolling paint onto walls - he had to create. As a welder, he’d spend lunch breaks in the back of the shop welding together scraps into abstract sculptures. He started to build ornate furniture from discarded wood, and he custom painted cars and motorcycles, eventually developing that into a business doing original wall art and faux painting applications in homes.

When Mike was 30, he journeyed to the southwest and spent several months living simply, reviewing his life and discovering where his future lay. When he returned to Michigan he was determined to bring his dream of becoming an artist to reality.

In 1980, he entered Kendall School of Design to major in sculpture, but quickly found that painting was a more personal way of sharing the feelings of his childhood and his love for the outdoors. He graduated with a fine arts degree in 1984.

After Kendall, he went to New York and earned a master of fine arts degree from Parsons School of Design. While he was there, his proximity to the Delaware Water Gap area provided a landscape that further fostered his love of nature. His early work reflected the styles that he was exposed to during this time but it is Impressionism that primarily influences his work today.

"A lot of impressionistic work that I look at has a dream-like quality— especially the later work of George Inness. I can understand it. The work brings out emotions in me that I would like to communicate to others."

Mike’s work reflects the man: soft-spoken and sensitive. The pastoral scenes are most frequently described as tranquil, introspective and poetic.

The work reflects his id

eal of "living in harmony, without stress; calm, relaxed, and observing nature." Mike's work represents his communion with creation. The impressions are more than visual; there is an emotional and spiritual aspect as well.

"I feel like I'm working with the unconscious. Part of it is controlling what's happening and part of it is just letting it happen. It's very exciting - you never know what's going to show itself next. It's that balance of controlling and not controlling that's so mysterious. When I get out of the way, the most original work is created. How do I explain that? To me, it’s just part of the gift".

The first thing you notice about a Callihan image is the soft focus. Unlike typi

cal Impressionism, with its technique of choppy brushstrokes rapidly laying colors side-by-side, Mike blends his oil pigments together, so layers quietly flow from one area to the next. Although he paints quickly, the finished work appears to have gradually emerged from the canvas.

This carries over to the viewing. You don't glance at a picture; you allow the scene to soak into your consciousness. This act of unforced contemplation has a calming effect. As you gaze at the work, you begin to notice the perspective - rather than standing at ground level, you seem to hover just above the land, looking down at a slight angle over the whole countryside. This bolsters the impression that you're beholding a dream. Solitary figures, occasionally showing up in his work, perhaps represent his continuing desire to escape to the serenity of nature.

Mike continues to cultivate his lifelong love of nature on an acre of land overlooking the Rogue River dam in Rockford, Michigan. He shares a quiet, contemplative life with his wife and fellow artist/massage therapist, Sue. By day, h Callihan's palette

e tends to the vegetable and flower gardens, and, at night he paints in his studio, a converted 2-car garage nestled into the hillside, where he brings his love of nature, his memories, and his inspirations into this work that he finds so rewarding.

Longview <New and on display now! Oil on canvas, 30.5 x 82.75" $6,000
Mysterious Woods <New and on display now! Oil on canvas, 11 x 14" $1,850 framed	Evening Glow <New! Oil on canvas, 12 x 16" $1,950 framed
Bright Summer <New and on display now! Oil on canvas, 12 x 18" $1,950 framed	Wind and Clouds <New and on display now! Oil on canvas, 32 x 48" $3,750
Renewal <New! Oil on canvas, 32 x 46" $3,750	Field of Beauty <New! Oil on canvas, 32 x 50" $3,950
Farm Road <New! Oil on canvas, 40 x 60" $6,000	Segmented Fields II <New and on display now! Oil on canvas, 44 x 60" $6,000
Orchard Path <New and on display now! Oil on canvas, 16 x 12" $1,950 framed	Big Lake <On display now! Art Prize Entry for 2015 Oil on canvas, 48 x 70" $7,000
Distant Woodland <On display now! Oil on canvas, 48 x 70" $7,000	Winding Country Road <On display now! Oil on canvas, 8 x 10" $1,200
Spring Orchard Oil on canvas, 14 x 16" $1,500	Blue Horizon <On display now! Oil on canvas, 32 x 46" $4,500
Summer Clouds <On display now! Oil on canvas, 40 x 52" $5,500	Dream Field Oil on canvas, 22 x 36" Sorry, sold for $4,000
To The Lake <On display now! Oil on canvas, 22 x 36" $2,300	Brook <On display now! Oil on canvas 26 x 40" $2,350
Crest <On display now! Oil on canvas, 30 x 40" $2,200	Van Gogh Tree <On display now! Oil on panel, 12 x 16" $950 framed
Draping Shadow <On display now! Oil on panel, 10 x 14" $800 framed	Lake Path Oil on canvas, 22 x 40" $2,200
I've chosen to use the Impressionist "language" because of its dream-like quality. It's a kind of poetry. I feel like I'm working with the unconscious - partly controlling what happens, partly just letting go. The balance is so mysterious; you never know what will show itself next.	My art is an internal process, translating onto canvas the feelings and memories of places that have captured my imagination, living nearly all my life closely connected to the land. This connection with the landscape - its mystery, awesome beauty, serenity - is a source of inspiration and comfort. I work to capture the mood, the spirit, of the land. My work reflects the life I try to lead: living in harmony, without stress, calm, contemplating nature.

Frog Hole Oil on canvas, 24 x 32" $2,500 framed Please call to confirm availability	Bright Slope Oil on canvas, 22 x 52" $2,600 Please call to confirm availability	Belmont View Oil on panel, 11 x 14" $850 framed Please call to confirm availability
Along the Park Oil on canvas, 22 x 36" $2,300 Please call to confirm availability	Autumn Evening Oil on canvas 22 x 36" $2,300 Please call to confirm availability	Sanctuary Near Northport Oil on panel, 12 x 16" $950 framed Please call to confirm availability

Although the paintings shown below are now hanging in homes and businesses around the country, artist Callihan can create a variation for you in the size you may desire! Just contact us about having a painting commissioned explicitly for you and your spaces!
Mission Peninsula Morning Oil on canvas, 44 x 60" Sorry, sold for $6,000	View From the Backyard Oil on canvas, 44 x 60" Sorry, sold for $6,000	Artist Callihan with "Summer" 44 x 60"
Summer Oil on canvas 44 x 60" Sorry, sold for $3,850	Turn Around Oil on canvas 36 x 48" Sorry, sold for $3,100	Orange Field Oil on panel, 16 x 12" Sorry, sold for $950 framed
Far Light Oil on panel, 12 x 16" Sorry, sold for $950 framed	Early Morning Oil on canvas, 22 x 40" Sorry, sold for $2,200	Field Rows Oil on canvas 36 x 64" Sorry, sold for $3,300
Sunrise Orchard Oil on canvas, 36 x 52" Sorry, sold for $3,100	German Woods Oil on panel, 8 x 10" Sorry, sold for $600 framed	Rich Shadows Oil on panel, 8 x 10" Sorry, sold for $600 framed
Putnam Road Oil on canvas 40 x 54" Sorry, sold for $3,600	Hidden Lake Oil on canvas, 22 x 36" $2,300 Sorry, no longer available	Ridge and Shadow Oil on canvas 30 x 44" $2,600 framed Sorry, no longer available
Salle's Field Oil on panel, 12 x 16" Sold for $950 framed	From Church Street Oil on panel, 12 x 16" Sorry, no longer available	Behind the Barn Looking North Oil on panel, 12 x 16" Sorry, sold for $950 framed
Sugar Shack Oil on canvas, 30 x 40" Sorry, no longer available	New Path Oil on canvas, 30 x 40" Sorry, sold for $2,800 framed	Tool Shed Oil on canvas, 30 x 40" Sorry, no longer available
Newaygo Trestle Oil on canvas 40 x 52" Sorry, no longer available	Lavender Path Oil on canvas 22 x 52" Sorry, no longer available	Pleasant Valley <New! Oil on canvas, 32 x 48" Sorry, no longer available
Hidden Shoreline Oil on panel, 8 x 10" Sorry, sold for $600 framed	Quiet Morning Oil on canvas 30 x 52" Sorry, no longer available	A Moment Last Fall Oil on canvas, 30 x 52" Sorry, no longer available
Mysterious Woods Oil on canvas, 22 x 40" Sorry, no longer available	Needed Rain Oil on canvas, 22 x 36" Sorry, no longer available	Shaded Wood Oil on canvas 30 x 44" Sorry, no longer available
Backyard Oil on canvas 22 x 36" Sorry, no longer available	Red Trees and Fields Oil on canvas 36 x 52" Sorry, no longer available	Sloping Vista Oil on canvas 30 x 40" Sorry, no longer available
Wind Swept Oil on canvas 36 x 52" Sorry, no longer available	Treetop View Oil on canvas 24 x 52" Sorry, no longer available	Spill Oil on canvas 26 x 40" Sorry, no longer available
Orchard Lane Oil on canvas, 30 x 44" Sold for $2,400	Morning Walk Oil on canvas, 36 x 52" Sorry, sold for $3,100	Sanctuary Oil on panel, 11 x 14" Sorry, sold for $850 framed
Morning Rise Oil on canvas, 26 x 40" Sorry, no longer available	Mill Pond Oil on canvas, 36 x 52" Sorry, sold for $3,100	Valley Field Oil on canvas, 30 x 40" Sorry, sold for $2,400
Shady Wood Oil on canvas, 30 x 44" Sorry, no longer available	Bright Summer Sun Oil on canvas, 26 x 40" Sorry, no longer available	Rolling Meadow Oil on canvas, 30 x 44" Sorry, no longer available
Woods and Orchard Oil on canvas, 30 x 52" Sorry, no longer available	Field and Trees and Dunes Oil on canvas, 30 x 52" Sorry, no longer available	Segmented Fields Oil on canvas, 30 x 44" Sorry, sold for $2,400
Empire Field 1 Oil on canvas, 22 x 36" Sorry, sold	Dramatic Vista II Oil on canvas, 36 x 52" Sorry, sold	Wooded Lane Oil on canvas, 22 x 40" Sorry, sold
Farm 2 Oil on canvas, 36 x 64" Sorry, sold	Rogue River Marsh Oil on board, 12 x 16" Sold, sorry!	Slope and Big Sky Acrylic on canvas, 36 x 64" Sorry, sold
Dramatic Vista 1 Oil on board, 12 x 16" Sold, sorry!	From the Foot Bridge Oil on board, 12 x 16" Sold, sorry!	Made Up North Oil on board, 12 x 16" Sold, sorry!
Townsend Park Stream Oil on board, 12 x 16" Sold, sorry!	Orchard Lane Leelanau - Farmer's View Oil on board, 12 x 16" Sold, sorry!	East Pasture Oil on board, 12 x 16" Sorry, sold
Empire Fields 2 Oil on canvas, 18 x 22" Sorry, sold	Lane Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 40" Sold, sorry	Northport Field Oil on canvas, 36 x 52" Sorry, sold
County Line Oil on canvas, 36 x 64" Sorry, sold	Building Thunder Oil on canvas, 30 x 40" Sold, sorry!	Winter's Leaving Oil on canvas, 38 x 66" Sorry, sold
Spring Apples Acrylic on canvas, 22 x 52" Sorry, sold	Summer Warm Oil on canvas, 40 x 60" Sorry, sold	Light Moment Oil on canvas, 36 x 52" Sorry, sold
Summer Storm Oil on canvas, 30 x 40" Sold, sorry!	Building Clouds Oil on canvas, 30 x 44" Sold, sorry!	Countryside Oil on canvas, 30 x 44" Sold, sorry!
Back of the Property Oil on canvas, 40 x 60" Sold, sorry!	Expanse Oil on canvas, 30 x 44" Sold, sorry!	Transcendent Light Oil on canvas, 30 x 44" Sold, sorry!
Clouds Over A Field Oil on canvas, 36 x 48" Sold, sorry!	Figure and Woods Oil on canvas, 30 x 40" Sold, sorry!	Through the Trees Oil on canvas, 20 x 30" Sold, sorry!
North of Peach Ridge Oil on canvas, 30 x 44" Sold, sorry!	Clouds Over Wheat Field Oil on canvas, 30 x 40" Sold, sorry!	Changing Clouds Study Oil on canvas, 20 x 36" Sold, sorry!
Near Algoma Oil on canvas, 36 x 52" Sold, sorry!	Back Road to Freeport Oil on canvas, 36 x 52" Sold, sorry!	Sumac Oil on canvas, 36 x 48" Sold, sorry!