Who am I? I think that is the most difficult question I have to answer. My name is Mike. I live in Rock Island, Illinois.

I can be contacted at mdtrudell@hotmail.com

Economically – I’ve been a journeyman electrician for 25 years. I worked as a commercial electrician until our shop closed in 2008. Now I work maintenance at a nursing home. Before all that, I had been a clerk in the army and worked in private security.

Artistically – Art lover and amateur photographer. I would have to say I’ve only been interested in the artistic aspects of photography since 2005. I enjoy creating pieces inspired by renaissance paintings, portraits (classical or nudes), macro, landscapes and waterscapes. I am mostly self-taught but have taken a class at Saint Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa. I’ve shot a couple of weddings and done several portrait shoots. I would like to meet/work with/learn from other artist near Quad Cities.

Socially – I am involved in medieval reenacting as a fighter (both heavy weapons and rapier), I teach armoring and medieval dance. I am also involved in a local folk dancing group that does early American and Welsh dances. Aside from that I am probably a little introverted.

Emotionally – Moody and often depressed. Maybe that is why I love Chiaroscuro so much.

Biggest Photographic Accomplishment - I've had my pictures published in a book called "For Love of the Dance" . A book on middle eastern dance in the Quad Cities area. Proceeds of the sales go to a local woman's shelter. I won 3 awards at the Rock Island County Fair for photography.

Any other questions, I’ll be glad to answer.

Current Residence: Rock Island, Illinois
Favorite genre of music: Jazz, 70s rock, classical
Favorite style of art: realism
Operating System: black coffee