Everyday Realism

By Michael Ward

Michael Ward's Everyday Realism shows a woman pushing a stroller past a closed Aztec Barber Shop

Pink building with two windows and white awnings under a clear blue sky

Michael Ward's Everyday Realism, white building with 'Bonito Court 963' sign and green windows

Michael Ward's painting of palm tree and terracotta-roofed house corner

Michael Ward's painting of a yellow and white vintage trailer on a street

Liquor store signage with text 'Liquor Mayfair Milk & Ice Cream' by Michael Ward

Michael Ward's painting of a small wooden house with weathered exterior

Michael Ward's Everyday Realism, a woman walking past a 99 cents store

Michael Ward's art 'Everyday Realism' depicting a lifeguard tower with 'No lifeguard on duty' signs

Project Information

Michael Ward is a self-taught painter based in Costa Mesa, California, who has an incredible talent for transforming the ordinary into something quietly profound.

His acrylic works, often inspired by his own photographs, capture everyday scenes such as suburban houses, street corners, and storefronts. These compositions possess a clarity that feels both familiar and freshly observed.

Ward's approach is grounded in a deep appreciation for the "mystery of the ordinary," a concept inspired by philosopher Alan Watts. By focusing on the overlooked details of daily life, he encourages viewers to find beauty in the mundane.

His compositions are meticulously crafted, balancing light and shadow to create a sense of depth and stillness.

It's not just about replicating a photograph; it's about capturing the essence of a moment and the subtle emotions it evokes.