Hard Rock Hotel Penthouse Credenza (Photo: 2007 | Painting: 2011) 60" x 30" - Mixed media

I’ve always admired those individuals who view life through a unique perspective.  Growing-up in homes filled with my mother’s paintings was probably the root of this.  Later, as I found myself surrounded by wonderfully talented fashion designers and performance artists and vocalists and painters and photographers, I was very humbled. 

Savile Row Rotunda (Photo: 2011 | Painting: 2011) 27" x 48" - Mixed media

At about this time, one or two people told me how much they enjoyed my photos, and then a few editors reiterated the same sentiments, and soon my photos (that I was blowing-up to life-sized proportions) were being auctioned-off at places like Christie’s and Phillips de Pury, in group shows alongside true artists like William Wegman and Greg Gorman and Ross Bleckner and Hunt Slonem and Billy Erb.  So, I thought “Okay.  I’m a photographer.  Now what?”

Golden Nugget Vegas Baby (Photo: 2007 | Painting: 2011) 45" x 113" - Mixed media

Then, a few years back, I was chatting-up a friend on the phone, and he signed-off by telling me he had to “paint” (drag-speak for applying one’s make-up).  A thought occurred to me…  Why doesn’t anybody paint with make-up?  It’s shiny.  It’s sparkly.  It’s shimmery.  It’s everything that’s good in the world.  Well, I’ll tell you why.  Painting on a huge canvas with a teensy nail polish brush is not only masochistic for anyone with ADHD, but those fumes are crazy!

Playboy Club Black Baccarat (Photo: 2007 | Painting: 2011) 84" x 53" - Mixed media

A few years back, as a present for his 45th birthday, I gave David Furnish one of my first paintings.  I had taken a photo of Elton during the Red Piano concert he’d performed the night of David’s birthday party; and I had it transferred onto a 4-foot canvas that I then embellished with nail polish and glitter.  I used two bottles of Revlon Red on the piano.  When I finally stood up, I stumbled backwards and conked my head on the door behind me.  And THAT’S why people don’t paint on enormous canvases with itty-bitty nail polish brushes.  Sadly, I’m not the brightest bulb in the box, but I’ve got gumption, and quicker than you can say “Shu Uemura Shine Mystique Eye Color in Khaki Silver” I’ve got my first solo show.

So, here I am – on the eve of said gallery show.  I’ve got three amazing sponsors in Dom Pérignon, Tequila Avión, and Piero’s.  The show is being curated by Naomi Arin Contemporary Art.  And, as a way of giving back to this wonderful city, 15% of the pre-commission profits will be split evenly among a trio of incredible Las Vegas non-profit organizations – Keep Memory Alive/Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Make a Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada, and Nathan Adelson Hospice.

Venetian Paiza Foyer (Photo: 2007 | Painting: 2011) 96" x 54" - Mixed media

Beauty from Above
A series of painted photographs by Michael Shulman (aka Me)
The Living Penthouse at Soho Lofts
900 Las Vegas Boulevard South – PH #1501
April 21st - April 30th
OPENING: Thursday, April 21st – 6pm
Click HERE to RSVP

Get into it!