Michael C. Spafford
12 Labors of Hercules
1995
oil on canvas
75.75 x 125.5 inches framed
Temptation of Odysseus
2008
oil on canvas
60.75 x 78.75 inches framed
The Birth of Aphrodite #2
2019
oil on canvas
78.75 x 60.75 inches framed
Birth of Athena #3
2011
oil on paper
42.5 x 32.5 inches framed
Trojan Horse Series #1
2020
India ink and charcoal on paper
58 x 44.25 inches framed
Trojan Horse Series #2 - One Greek One Trojan
2020
India ink and charcoal on paper
58 x 44.25 inches framed
Odysseus
2007
oil on paper
34.75 x 44.5 inches framed
Europa and the Bull #6
1986
oil on paper
42.5 x 26.5 inches framed
Cronus #3
1995
oil on paper
40.25 x 30.25 inches framed
Leda and the Swan
1997
etching
29.5 x 28.5 inches framed
Leda and the Swan
1997
etching
29.5 x 28.5 inches frame
Leda and the Swan
1997
etching
29.5 x 28.5 inches framed
Installation View
Installation View
Installation View
Installation View
Installation View
Installation View
Installation View
Installation View
Installation View
Installation View
Russo Lee Gallery is excited to exhibit Mythic Figures, a collection of paintings by Seattle artist Michael Spafford. Spafford’s bold, expressive compositions walk a line between the abstract and the figurative, using classic myths are a launch pad and touchstone for vibrant, often monumental work. The exhibition features paintings on canvas and paper, as well as a small collection of etchings.
A graduate of Pomona College and Harvard University, he is a Professor Emeritus of the University of Washington School of Art. During his career as a painter and printmaker he has received numerous awards, including a Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation grant, the first Behnke Foundation “Neddy” award and a Flintridge Foundation Award. In 1967 he was given the Rome Prize and was honored in 1983 with an art award from The American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, NYC. His work includes mural commissions at the Kingdome, The Washington State House of Representatives Chamber, and the Seattle Opera House.