beautiful: the Works of Michael Ponce at the Branigan Cultural Center

A native of Las Cruces, Mr. Ponce studied at New York’s Art Students’ League and at the Fashion Institute of Technology where he received his B.F.A. and began a career in commercial fashion art.  He soon, however, became more interested in fine art and resumed his studies at the New York Academy of Art and at Oxford University.  As he progressed, he incorporated his study of anatomy and his understanding of the human body into his riveting art work.  In 2004, he was awarded the “Bruce Stevenson Memorial Award for Portrait” by The National Arts Club of New York City.
 

According to Mr. Ponce, his thirst for knowledge of classical painting was so strong that he “…didn’t stop until I could do it.”  This talent has progressed to such a high level that he paints “…right on the canvas, going back and forth between foreground, middle-ground and background so they are seamless.”  While Michael Ponce studied the masters, he has the remarkable ability to blend his knowledge of classicism with modernism to create luminous works of art.  They are beautiful.  
 

The Branigan Cultural Center is located at 501 North Main Street.  Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 4:30pm.  For more information, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s website at las-cruces.org/museums.