Original Preliminary Pencil Studies
We are honored to share that we have preserved more than one hundred of Michael’s original pencil studies. We will be opening the archives slowly, releasing these studies in small, periodic collections. We invite you to join us on this journey as we reveal these hidden gems from his drafting table, a few pieces at a time. To receive early notification when new pencil studies are released from the archive, we invite you to subscribe to Michael’s newsletter.
These original pencil studies represent the final stage of Michael’s conceptual process. Before the first application of pastel to board, Michael utilized these drawings to solve the foundational puzzles of his work: the precise balance of light, the weight of the shadows, and the structural integrity of the composition. The Estate is now releasing these studies in their purest, raw form. Each is an original, hand-drawn artifact on archival paper, exactly as it was found in Michael’s studio at the time of his passing. By offering them unmounted and unframed, we allow collectors the opportunity to preserve the "artist’s hand" through professional museum-grade hinge mounting and custom framing. To preserve the value of these original works, we recommend 'Float Mounting' with UV-protective glass to showcase the natural edges of the paper and protect the graphite from fading.
Gray Day - Original Preliminary Pencil Study
Gray Day - Original Preliminary Pencil Study
This listing is for the unique, one-of-a-kind original pencil drawing only.
This rare study was created by Michael as the final preliminary outline before beginning the full-scale pastel painting for Gray Day. We have provided an image of the finished pastel work as a visual reference only, allowing you to see how this foundational study evolved into the final masterpiece - the finished pastel painting is not included.
This work offers an intimate glimpse into Michael’s creative process, capturing the foundational structure, light and composition of the final piece. While the final pastel was built from this outline, elements may have been refined or reimagined in the finished work.
Presented raw and unmounted to preserve the integrity of the paper and allow for museum-standard hinge mounting and custom framing. An Estate Certificate of Authenticity is included with the purchase of this study to ensure its provenance and place within the artist’s legacy.
