The still life, a classic genre, has been an artistic tradition for centuries. The expressive, realist paintings of Contemporary painter Christopher M. remind us that artistic talent fused with good old-fashioned values never goes out of style. Nature, beauty, integrity and hard work are constant companions to this artist's paint and canvas. And how refreshing it is to see something old turned new again by young, talented eyes.

Born in 1975 in Oakland, California, as a child Chris always had a penchant for drawing and painting. But he never considered being an artist a viable vocation until he entered a contest in his senior year of high school to win a semester scholarship to an art school. His portfolio prevailed and was awarded the scholarship and Christopher M has never looked back. The artist exclaims, "Once I got to art school and began studying painting and drawing from life, I was hooked. Since then I have never wanted to do anything else."

Educated at the noted Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Christopher M. graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration in 2000. He earned awards and honors from the Academy for his sketchbook, figure painting, landscapes and still life works. He also earned accolades from the San Francisco Society of Illustrators of which he is a member.

When asked about his inspirations and internal motivations for creating his art, Christopher M pauses introspectively and states, "Generally speaking, I would like my paintings to communicate my own sense of morality, my sense of what is true and honest and what is really of value in life." And just as this artist constantly strives to improve his craft, his desire to become a more compassionate and understanding person is the guiding force of this artistic growth. "My motives matter a lot to me as an artist. Whatever kind of work I do, as long as I know I'm trying hard to make it good work is fine with me", the artist humbly declares. As his everyday experiences influence his growth as a person, in a sense they are also present in his paintings. However, the artist proclaims, "I never do paintings that directly address a personal experience in my own life. I want to find more universal truths, those that other people can relate to. Because ultimately, I feel any painting I hang in a gallery is intended to be shared with other people, not just be a page out of my diary."

The artist will attest that his "somewhat old-fashioned aesthetic" is born of his reverence for the realist painters of the past, mainly: John Singer Sargent, Edgar Degas, George Bellows, William Bouguereau and Gustav Klimt. While Chris values the artistic traditions of the past he strives to carry them forward with a more expressive style akin to his own contemporary ideals. The artist states, "I feel that art can come from a traditional background and still advance, be modern and current with our society today."

He credits his contemporary influences to the works of Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns and Pablo Picasso. And although he claims these artists' works do not influence his painting directly, he is moved by their ability to assemble their thoughts and experiences directly into their imagery. And that is something he is motivated to achieve in the development of his own work as well.

While other contemporary artists may strive to express popular culture, one cannot help but note Christopher M's mastery of the moment. It is with his respect for that with already IS -- that which is right in front of our eyes -- that he is able to transcend the ideals of a still life work. It is as if he uses the still life as a metaphor for existence. For example, the magical parallel between the short-lived, yet wondrous life of a flower with that of a human life. The artist muses, "There is a connection between flowers and romance that is appealing to me. With their beauty and fragility flowers are rather a metaphor for our own existence. Like a flower, we are all created and we struggle toward the light and warmth our whole lives. When we can value them and their beauty, we value ourselves and our own simple struggle for happiness and beauty."

As in life, in nature -- nature and her seasons, life and its certainty for change -- reality can take on many meanings when caught in the moment, dissected and filtered through the eyes of a talented artist. With nostalgic simplicity Christopher M. strives to paint his passions in the truest and simplest forms - be it a single flower, a blade of grass or an inanimate object. His choice and arrangement of objects is in and of itself a form of his expression. A momentary stillness, an uncertain future and a story to be told are all part of this painter's inaudible dialogue.

Oil paint is his medium of choice for its dexterity and luminous longevity. He credits his subdued color palette and proclivity for harmonious color as a reflection of his "restrained personality", yet the result is an added aura of mystery and romance to his beautifully stylized compositions. The artist's accomplished background in illustration lies the foundation for all of his work. His skilled drawing techniques united with strategic and graceful placement of color have produced a prolific collection of artwork that is sure to be lauded in the finest of art circles.

Christopher M.'s still life paintings possess a seductive splendor unique to most work of this genre. His fresh perspective of an old discipline is one that will surely stand the test of time. With hope and intentions for growth, we will watch the evolution of this young artist as his own creative flower blooms.