Mike Elsass paints contemporary abstracts on rusted sheets of steel, and his art is spiritual and meditative. By painting, sponging and sanding, the steel evolves until the final coating. Many pieces have over 40 coats of paint and glazing. The steel represents strength, life’s elements, aging, imperfection and beauty.Elsass' spirit lies on the road. From his first series in Quebec, Canada to the Gulf Coast winter and the Louisiana swamps, he draws his energy from nature and life. The Arizona desert and the Kentucky countryside blend his art. Mike's beautiful Ohio country barn loft and studios on Easy Avenue and his new Front Street location in Dayton give Mike time to reflect and paint in solitude. Mike hopes to find his Rothko-inspired pieces gracing walls and mantles in client's homes, because for him, the greatest achievement is knowing that his creative labor has connected with someone in a very personal way. Mike’s work has been shown in galleries and spas across the United States, including the locations listed below:• Atlanta, GA: Catherine Kelleghan • Birmingham, AL: Art AlleyBirmingham, AL: Art Alley • Chicago, IL: Gruen Gallery • Cincinnati, OH: Malton Gallery • Columbus, OH: A Muse Gallery • Dayton, OH: Penny Lane Publishing, and The Color of Energy • Hot Springs, AZ: Justus Fine Art Gallery • Houston, TX: Skyline Art Servicesm • Middletown, OH: Visceral Gallery @ Pendleton Art Center • Palm Beach Gardens, FL: Studio E Gallery • San Francisco, CA: Art People • Saratoga, NY: Scallions Art Gallery • Saugatuck, MI: Timmel Collection • Sedona, NM: Renee Taylor Gallery • Tubac, AZ: Karin Newby Gallery • Tucson, AZ: Miraval Spa • Yellow Springs, OH: Would You, Could You in a Frame?