Mike Dettman was born in Tacoma Washington. Having a father in the Air Force he lived in many places mostly western states as well as Spain where, as a teenager, he was able to experience the unique art and architecture of Seville. His desire to be an artist began in junior high and he enjoyed drawing, woodworking and sculpting in clay. When his family finally settled in Colorado he developed a love of fishing, wildlife and the outdoors. Mike was first drawn to stone sculpture in his 20’s being mostly self-taught and picking up techniques at the Black Hawk Mountain School of Art in Central City, Colorado. His sculpture was also featured in the Denver Post and Southwest Art Magazine as well as galleries and shows in Cherry Creek, Vail, Central City and Sedona, Arizona.
While Mike enjoys the dimensional qualities of sculpture, he felt he needed to change directions to fully express the inspirations of nature and the outdoors. Inspired by expansive views as well as intimate scenes and by the play of light, shadow and color in a landscape, Mike knew he wanted to paint. Having experimented in watercolors and acrylics, Mike chose the process of painting in oils as a favorite.
Mike enjoys both Plein Air painting as well as his time in the studio. He doesn’t limit himself to one subject or season and paints a variety of Western U.S. landscapes. Mike is currently represented by Pamela Claflin’s, Rimrock Gallery in Prineville Oregon, located just 35 miles from Bend. http://www.rimrockgallery.com
