Michael Donnelly 'But I say this to you. . .', 2011, Oil on linen, 122 x 153 cm.

Michael Donnelly is a Melbourne-based artist, illustrator and teacher. He has held numerous solo exhibitions since 1984 and participated in group exhibitions throughout Australia and the USA. His works are included in collections in Australia. Michael's work has appeared in a number of published works and does accept commissions. He has worked as an art educator in the secondary school sector, and at the RVIB / Vision Australia School. Michael now works part time as a DEECD Visiting Teacher in Vision Impairment and in the Support Skills Program at the Statewide Vision Resource Centre (SVRC), Donvale, Melbourne. In 2010 he was Artist-in-Residence at the Kings Bridge Cottage, Cataract Gorge, Tasmania, courtesy of the Launceston City Council.
'But I say this to you. . .' has been selected for the 2011 Blake Director's Cut Exhibition and may be viewed online from 26 Oct till 31 Jan 2012 at the Blake Society website, http://www.blakeprize.com.au/galleries/directors-cut. The painting is "a meditation on Matthew chapters 4 – 10, part of the 2011 common lectionary. In reflecting on those passages of scripture I explored perceptions and understandings that have accrued since childhood; all part of who I am, where I live and what I believe".