Island Painter and Chef Michael David Rottman Unveils New Work

Michael David Rottman, also known as MDR or just Mikey, is a transplant to Martha's Vineyard from such far-flung places as Antigo, Wis.; Fullerton, Calif. and Washington, Conn. It was in Connecticut that he met and befriended pastelist Herman Margulies, of the Pastel Society of America, who heavily influced Rottman's "landscapes, mark making, and the passion to create."

Rottman's paintings, which he refers to as MDRs, "are more about feeling than interpretation," he said. Those who know MDRs recognize that their distinct style—bright colors, fluid marks on happy landscapes and curiously abstract faces—mirror the artist's own joyful personality.

Rottman divides his time on Martha's Vineyard between painting, playing disc golf, enjoying good friends and, during the summer, cooking at L'étoile in Edgartown.

Rottman and local glass sculptor Russell Carson are holding an Open Studio this Friday at Rottman's Vineyard Haven studio from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. We caught up with Rottman to find out a bit about what makes him so bright, happy and curiously abstract.

When did you move to Martha's Vineyard?

On a glorious day in late August 2007 with two suitcases, about 10 canvases and my paint. 

Where had you been living before?

Brighton Avenue, Allston.

What about the Island inspires you the most?

Emotionally: The people. Artistically: Everything; the whole Island is a muse.

Where do you do most of your paintings?

In a screened-in porch off of the kitchen.

Do you paint from memory or from photographs?

I paint from life.

What’s the worst thing about leaving the Vineyard?

I miss the security and calmness, the Island time.

You’re also a chef. What’s does painting bring to your cooking?

I really get inspired when I'm plating a dish. I look at the plate as edible art, almost a painting and a sculpture as one. But most of all, I'm sucker for color to be in my food. 

What does cooking bring to your painting?

At L'étoile cooking is much harder than painting. When cooking you have to create the same dish over and over, each time tasting and looking exactly the same. What I've learned is that, yes, cooking is an art, but it's also a craft. It's funny because recently I did a series of seven oven tops, with all four burners on high. 

What didn’t you get to do last summer that you are most definitely going to do this summer?

More time in the ocean . . . great for cuts and burns.

If you could be anywhere on the Island right now, where would it be?

Right where I am. But there's a real special view from the Eddy Farm over Lucy Vincent that's pretty epic.

What’s new about your most recent series?

A 10 piece series on guardian angels that was inspired by the passing of two friends. A 10 piece series on small king and queen faces. A number of landscapes, including both East and West Chops, up-Island, some boats, beach scenes, etc. I worked on some wood, trying to push some modern abstract thoughts out. I've had a very productive winter. 

How do you know when a piece is finished?

It tells me, "Walk away."

Where can we see your work?

This Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. We, my dear friend Russell Carson, a glass sculptor and I, are having an open studio at 89 Franklin Terrace, in Vineyard Haven, to show some of our winter and past work. It's totally casual, but we have quite a bit of art and we thought we should show it.

Michael David Rottman and Russell Carson's Open Studio takes place Friday, March 11, at 89 Frankling Terr., in Vineyard Haven,  from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.