About Mike...

A self-taught artist, Mike enjoys making a career of what comes naturally; the care and passion he puts into creating his acrylic and oil paintings are echoed in their high realism and fine detail. Landscapes of the northeast are those he most prefers to capture, and his artwork is representative of his desire to preserve and share those moments of beauty we too often overlook.

The home and studio of fine artist Mike Mayone lie nestled in East Middlebury, Vermont, where the Green Mountains meet the Lake Champlain valley. Surrounded by such abundant subject matter, it's little wonder that the majority of Mike's refreshingly peaceful paintings involve scenes of rural Vermont and often include local architecture as well.

Mike offers original artwork, limited edition prints and fine art note cards directly and through his website, as well as art galleries, selected retailers, and solo and group shows. Mike also exhibits with several Vermont associations, and his work has appeared in international publications and the collections of many satisfied fine art customers coast to coast and internationally.

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Testimonials -

Following are the testimonials from my first 6 students:

Howard's Testimonial -

Being a self-taught artist myself for the past 20 years, I'm amazed at what I learned from Mike in a short period of time during my classes with him.

Specifically, I learned patience, dry brush technique, blending to soften, paint mixing and attention to detail. My class time flew by because Mike made the whole experience so enjoyable. Needless to say, I am pleased with my finished product and can't thank Mike enough for teaching me.

- Howard K.

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Linda's Testimonial -

The highlight of my summer has been my art class with Mike Mayone. I was a total beginner and somewhat skeptical that I would be able to do a painting that would be any good. Much to my surprise, my painting of an iris far exceeded my expectations and I surprised myself that I had done it. Of course, under Mike's teaching I was able to do this. He was instructive and very patient, which was good for me because I had much to learn. I feel he is an excellent teacher and will recommend him for future classes.

I am very grateful for this experience and love my painting. Thanks Mike!!!

- Linda K.

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Lorrie's Testimonial -

An Afternoon Delight

I recently learned how to spend very enjoyable afternoons in Mike Mayone’s studio. I was taking painting lessons. I learned how to mix colors for shading and highlighting, what brushes would be best for each task, how to clean a brush properly, the dry brush technique of shading. So many things that go into making a beautiful piece of art work. Under his watchful eye, I came home with a satisfactory piece that he has named Lorrie’s Lilies. I would encourage anyone to give it a try. He has a lot of patience and helpful suggestions that can make a neophyte feel like a true artist!

- Lorrie M.

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Anne's Testimonial -

Mike has been a long time friend and neighbor. When he offered to give me painting lessons as part of his art teaching course, I eagerly accepted. I felt I knew nothing of painting from school art classes, and remember distastefully getting a D in Jr. High. We met weekly for a couple months, working on our piece. Mike was very good about scheduling our time in advance, and being prepared when the time came.

As a new instructor, I found Mike to be very encouraging, supportive and guiding, and knowledgeable about what he was teaching. Mike guided me in the selection of what I would paint, following my interest. He had a simple and clear method for approaching the overall painting, and gave specific instruction, for example, on different brush techniques, that would best capture our topic. Several sessions in, I realized that painting with him felt easy, as he gave guidance and gradually released responsibility for me to take more lead, as I was ready. Mike gave support or scaffolding, such as with mixing paint color and words for what strokes would work best, which passed his painting expertise on to my painting. When I entered each day, my painting's amazing progress was displayed. What a remarkable painting Mike's teaching allowed me to create.

- Anne C.

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Becky's Testimonial -

Learning to paint

I would like to thank Mike Mayone for opening my eyes to the possibility and joys of painting. Before Mike’s help, I had no clue where to begin with a painting: top, bottom, foreground, background, or upside down. I had no understanding of layering techniques; how to make a tree a tree. Mike’s encouragement, enthusiasm, and patience made the lessons fly by. I have a new perspective for everything around me. I look forward to continuing learning how to paint, something I never dreamed I could do.

Thanks, Mike

Such a welcoming discovery,

- Becky H.

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Paula's Testimonial -

It is with great pleasure that I write this testimonial on behalf of Mike Mayone.

Painting is an activity that I always wished I could do. I recall watching Bob Ross on the television, admiring what he could create in such a short time. His "happy little trees" made me smile. I thought he made it look so easy….. "why can’t I do that?"

Despite my hearing from many, over the years, "anyone can paint", I never tried it. Instead, I filed it away in the back of my mind until my thoughts were challenged over it by Mike Mayone. I could be one of his six students, a perfect opportunity.

At the first lesson, I looked at many of his pictures in the studio. Quietly thinking I could never be able to paint like this, I quickly dismissed the thought. I am just starting with zero painting experience.

By the second lesson, I found myself looking at the world and nature differently. I looked at flowers and leaves, flowing rivers, the billowy clouds, the sunsets, and trees on the top of mountains. I mentioned this to Mike, who smiled and told me that now I had begun to see things through artists’ eyes. Indeed, an awakening to the simplest things in our beautiful world.

The time working in his studio flew by very quickly. It was a pleasure to learn from him. I feel fortunate that I was given the opportunity to be one of his students. I could not ask for a better coach, a true professional and a delight to work with.

Mike instilled a confidence in me when I needed it and gentle corrections, many gentle corrections when needed. He is a kindhearted and patient teacher. Unruffled, he has an ability to suppress annoyance, for example, when having to tell me many times "look at the (reference) photo".

I learned that I could paint my own "happy little trees". Now, some were more of a challenge than others to do, but still, not that hard to do. What a joy it was to receive Mike’s guidance on my first, lovely painting of a covered bridge. There is no doubt in my mind, he will be an excellent painting instructor.

Mike, thank you so much. Whenever I view my picture, I will think of you and how you helped make it possible. Please know that I am most sincerely grateful to you for your generous time, traveling this road and making the journey together.

Warmest regards,

Paula M.