THE STUDIO | MICHAEL JOHN VALENTINE
Welcome to the private studio residence of Michael John Valentine in the Lake Norman region of Cornelius, North Carolina—an immersive environment where art is not only displayed, but actively created, evolved, and collected within a living architectural experience.
This is not a traditional gallery. It is a private studio residence and working art environment, open exclusively by appointment, where over 300 original works exist across a fully realized collector space.
A PRIVATE STUDIO RESIDENCE & LIVING COLLECTION
Within this residence, three distinct live working studios operate as the foundation of Michael John Valentine’s practice. Each studio serves a specific role in the creation and transformation of original works, offering insight into his signature layered overpainting process, where paintings are continuously built, refined, and redefined through time.
These are not staged recreations—they are active creative environments where finished works, works-in-progress, and evolving series coexist.
Collectors are invited into a rare experience: witnessing the continuum between creation and completion inside a single private artistic ecosystem.
THREE LIVE STUDIOS | THE OVERPAINTING PROCESS
Within the private studio residence in Cornelius, North Carolina, three distinct live studios form the foundation of Michael John Valentine’s practice. Each space is dedicated to a specific phase of creation within his signature overpainting process, where works evolve through layering, refinement, and material transformation.
These are not static workspaces—they are active environments where art is continuously created, expanded, and resolved within a living collector residence.
Studio One — Foundation Abstract Studio
The origin point of all work. This studio is dedicated to early-stage abstraction, compositional development, and the initial application of gesture and material. Works begin here through instinct, structure, and controlled experimentation, forming the foundation of the artist’s visual language.
Studio Two — Large-Scale & Assembly Studio
A production and expansion space dedicated to oversized works, gallery-wrapped canvases, splatter technique, and structural assembly.
This studio is where scale becomes a defining force. Works are physically extended, built outward, and developed through expansive movement and layered application. It is also where larger compositions are finalized structurally before transitioning into refinement or exhibition readiness.
This environment emphasizes physicality, energy, and spatial dominance—supporting works intended for architectural interiors, hospitality spaces, and large-scale private collections.
Studio Three — Cigar & Bourbon Studio (Smoking Lounge & Private Gallery Environment)
A dedicated atmospheric studio and smoking lounge space focused on cigar-inspired and bourbon-toned works. This environment explores depth, stillness, and sensory richness through layered overpainting, smoke-informed texture, and warm tonal palettes.
This studio is both a working creative space and a refined private lounge environment, designed for slow contemplation and immersive viewing of finished works.
Integrated within the studio are three custom-built humidors, a private bar, and an adjoining bathroom, creating a self-contained environment that supports extended creative sessions, private viewings, and collector experiences.
Works created and displayed here are intimate, moody, and reflective—intended for luxury interiors, private lounges, and collector spaces centered around atmosphere, ritual, and presence.
This is the space where The Cigar Art Experience is offered by private appointment. Designed as a fully immersive smoking lounge and working studio environment, the room features four leather lounge chairs arranged within a curated central setting, supported by a state-of-the-art ventilation system.
Guests are invited to experience the space as part of a guided, atmospheric sitting—surrounded by original works—where portrait-style photography may be captured as part of the private collector experience.
CURATED GALLERY ROOMS WITHIN THE RESIDENCE
Beyond the working studios, the residence features fully staged and curated gallery environments designed to present completed works in immersive collector contexts.
Each room is intentionally themed to reflect different dimensions of the collection:
- Master Abstract Gallery — signature large-scale abstract works defining the core visual language of the artist
- Music-Inspired Gallery — works driven by rhythm, sound, and improvisational energy translated into visual form
- Cigar & Bourbon Collection Room — atmospheric works inspired by heritage, smoke, oak, and refined lifestyle culture
These environments are designed not as decoration, but as curated exhibitions within a private residence, allowing collectors to experience the work in real spatial context.
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA)
Every original artwork acquired from the studio is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity (COA) verifying its originality, provenance, and authorship by Michael John Valentine.
Each COA reflects:
- Title of work
- Medium and materials
- Size and edition status (if applicable)
- Artist signature and verification
This ensures every acquisition is fully documented as a verifiable original fine art piece.
AN IMMERSIVE COLLECTOR EXPERIENCE
The studio residence is designed for private viewing by appointment only, offering collectors, designers, and curators an intimate experience with the full scope of the artist’s work—from early-stage studies within the live studios to fully realized masterworks presented in curated gallery environments.
This is a place where art is not separated from life—it is continuously formed within it.
LOCATION
Michael John Valentine Studio & Gallery
Cornelius (Lake Norman), North Carolina
Private residence — visits by appointment only