02 Oct Meyer Najem Showcase: “Paintings Thus Far” by Michael Levine
Michael Levine’s path as an artist began decades ago, not in a studio, but at a kitchen table, where a paper mâché project with his aunt sparked an early curiosity. A retired neurologist, Michael has long balanced the analytical with the artistic. His upcoming exhibit, Paintings Thus Far, offers a rich cross-section of work that explores contrast, volume, and the nuanced dance between light and shadow.
Although his art remained a quiet passion for years, the past decade has seen Michael dedicate himself more fully to the craft. With a home studio and a steady routine of workshops and critiques, he’s embraced the identity of a lifelong learner. “I’ve always painted,” he shares, “but the past seven or eight years have been much more serious. There’s always something new to figure out.” From traditional classes to online mentorships and weekly drawing sessions with the Hamilton County Artists’ Association, Michael continues to refine his skills and deepen his artistic voice.
At the heart of his work is a commitment to form, value, and atmosphere. Whether working in charcoal, oils, or pastel, he’s driven by the pursuit of depth on a two-dimensional surface. “I love the challenge of creating 3D images on a flat page,” he explains. “I’m always pushing and pulling light and shadow.” This is especially evident in his newest charcoal work, which emphasizes stark tonal contrast, and in his oil paintings, where large, confident strokes build planes of light and structure.
The exhibit spans several mediums and moments in time. Still lifes, landscapes, and soft pastel florals highlight his exploration of composition, while a strong undercurrent of abstract realism ties it all together. “It’s not about hyper-detail,” Michael says. “It’s about movement. Mood. The way light shapes a subject.” With each piece, he invites viewers to slow down and notice the drama in a seemingly simple scene—a curve of light on a vase, the shadow stretching across a table.
Ultimately, Michael sees painting as an ongoing investigation. “Every piece should have a problem you want to solve,” he notes. That sense of inquiry drives his process and defines his practice, not just as an artist, but as a thinker. “The more I do, the more curious I become.”
Paintings Thus Far will be on display from October 3-December 26, 2025. Join Michael for his free public reception, part of the Second Friday Gallery Hop, on Friday, November 14th, from 5-8:00 p.m.!