A Journey.

Blog Post: Welcome to My Artistic Journey – A New Chapter at 75

Published: March 08, 2025
By Michael Glisson

Hello, and welcome to the first post on my art blog! I’m thrilled to share this new chapter with you—a journey back to painting that began with my retirement at 75. If you’re here, you might already love the elegance of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or have a soft spot for heartfelt oil paintings. Either way, I’m so glad you’ve stopped by!

A Lifetime of Creativity, Reawakened

Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. In my younger days, I spent hours with a brush and canvas, experimenting with colors and dreaming of one day sharing my work with the world. Life took me down other paths, but the itch to create never left. Now, with retirement as my fresh start, I’ve picked up my paints again—and it feels like coming home.

This return isn’t just about me, though. It’s deeply tied to my wife, who’s been a Cavalier breeder, owner, and handler for over 20 years. Her love for these gentle, soulful dogs has become my inspiration. Together, we’ve built connections with the Cavalier community—breeders, clubs, and owners—and I’m honored to bring their beauty to life on canvas.

Finding My Style: Contemporary Impressionism

As I’ve eased back into painting, I’ve found myself drawn to the loose, expressive brushwork of Impressionism with a modern twist. I love how the play of light and color can capture a moment—whether it’s a girl reading to her Cavalier by a sunlit window or two dogs lounging by a crackling fireplace. My goal isn’t to paint every detail but to evoke a feeling, a memory, a smile. It’s been a joy to see my style evolve, blending nostalgia with the energy of today.

My First Pieces

I’ve recently added some of my favorite works to my Shopify store, and I’d love for you to take a look. There’s “Story Teller”, inspired by quiet afternoons and the bond between a child and her pet, and “Cold Night”, a cozy scene of two Cavaliers by the hearth that feels perfect for a winter’s day. Each painting is an original oil, with prints available for those who’d like to bring a piece of this joy home.

I’m also excited to offer custom portraits! If you have a Cavalier (or any beloved pet) you’d love to see immortalized, just reach out—I’d be honored to create something special for you.

What’s Next?

This blog will be a space to share my process, the stories behind my paintings, and a bit about life with Cavaliers. I’ll post about new works, offer glimpses into my studio, and maybe even share some tips I’ve picked up along the way. As a special thank-you for joining me, the first 10 readers who sign up for my newsletter (link below) will receive a 15% discount on their next purchase!

I’d love to hear from you. Do you have a favorite Cavalier moment you’d like to see painted? Or perhaps a suggestion for my next piece? Drop a comment or send me a message. Let’s create this journey together!

Until next time,
Michael Glisson
mglisson50@gmail.com

P.S. Check out my latest paintings in the store.