Continuing with our artist profiles of artists both living and working in the Hamptons, our next artist is Michael Perez, who lives in East Quogue

Michael Perez in his Southampton Gallery in front of "Dancing Daisies."

Southampton - Michael Perez was born and raised in New York City. While attending school, which included the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan, Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute, he sold his paintings on the streets of Greenwich Village. After college, Perez worked in the advertising industry, but continued to pursue his true passion - painting. In the mid-1990s he moved his art studio to Southampton, and also opened his own gallery on Jobs Lane to showcase his art. This afforded him the opportunity to personally meet and interact with his clients.

"People are free in the Hamptons," explains Perez. "They are away from all the hustle and bustle, playing and enjoying life." The Hamptons proved to be so successful for Perez, that he once again decided to take a risk and open other galleries in TriBeCa and Chelsea in New York City.

After a successful five years in Manhattan, Perez decided to get back to basics and concentrate on his painting again full-time. Keeping only his Southampton gallery and moving it to a larger location on Main Street (59 Main Street) , he now has more time to focus on his art again with "100 percent pure creative energy." Perez "is a devoted Hamptonite" and supports the community. He recenty donated a painting for the fundraising auction of Southampton Hospital's 51st Annual Summer Party, which will be held on Aug. 1. Also in the Hamptons he has donated art for Cystic Fibrosis, Breast Cancer, and Child Abuse.

"America The Beautiful" 2001 (30" x 30"), Original oil on canvas, and available as a limited edition on canvas.

Additionally, Perez has been a guest artist at many local schools, and has been able to pursue his additional passions - fishing, surfing and using his motorboat.

When did you start making art and what medium(s) do you consider to be your roots in art?

Michael Perez: I started with pastels on paper, school projects in junior high school. I won the Daily News art contest for all schools in New York in 1987. I started using oils in 1994, taught by an artist who was a good friend. I also used oils at Parsons School of Design.

What is it about the Hamptons that brought you here and enticed you to stay, work, and pursue your art here as opposed to some place else?

MP: Freedom - being able to express myself a lot easier than in any other environment - it's less stressful here, no pressure, everyone's in a good mood - relaxing and enjoying themselves.

How do you support yourself as an artist?

MP: Via my art gallery. I also do commissions, and paint full-sized cows for outdoor art in local Hamptons yards. The first Cow Parade I did was in NYC in 2000. My cow was named 'Moo-net' (as in Monet)! The next Cow Parade was in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 2007. That cow's name was 'Chelsea.'

"Flower Girl" 2007 (48" x 48"), Original oil on canvas.

Why live and work in the Hamptons as opposed to elsewhere?

MP: Better opportunity and more sophisticated art lovers.

What local environmental or historical aspects of the Hamptons do you relate to that may be reflected in your medium?

MP: The sky, sunsets, sunrises, dunes, bridges, lighthouses, sailboats, the bright colorful clothing that people wear here - it all melds together to inspire my choice of vibrant colors.

What artists do you feel have influenced you and your work?

MP: Miro, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso.

"Chroma Girl" 2009 (48" x 48"), Original oil on canvas.

What advice would you give an emerging artist?

MP: Don't do it! LOL - Follow your dream.

What gives you an edge (if any)?

MP: Pop art. My art is extremely unique, and I work in a bold use of contrasting colors and shapes, and incorporate very distinctive faces!

What are you working on now, and are you involved in any upcoming shows or exhibitions?

MP: I am working on a new series that are just abstract paintings, black and white, called "Inkdrops."




 • To view more of Michael Perez's, visit the following website at www.Michael PerezGallery.com or visit the gallery at 59 Main Street, Southampton, NY, 516-532-3040.

"Destination" 2009 (60" x 72"), Original oil on canvas.