Dan McCleary’s (b. 1952, Santa Monica, California) artistic practice centers on the subtle observation of daily life; he captures the moments that often go unnoticed but hold significant emotional weight. His still lifes and portraits, marked by precision and clarity, evoke a sense of stillness and introspection.

McCleary’s compositions are often spare, but within that simplicity lies a deep attention to detail and a reverence for the formal qualities of painting. His approach to the human figure is both sensitive and restrained, presenting the subject with a quiet dignity. McCleary’s paintings reflect a sense of empathy for his subjects, which often appear contemplative, as if caught in a moment of reflection.

The works, and specially the still lifes, are rooted in the traditions of classical painting, yet feel fresh and contemporary in their execution. McCleary’s art invites us into a world of quiet reflection, where the simplicity of form is matched by the complexity of emotion.