Matthew Douglas McClosky

Matt McClosky, 35, a lifelong Seattleite, was an oil painter whose landscapes captured the glory of nature and his joy in being in it. He sold his paintings and photographs at art shows and fairs in the Seattle area and around the Northwest.

He was also a pianist and jazz composer who had previously played gigs around the Seattle area and still entertained the neighbors when the weather was mild and the windows open.

He studied the piano from early childhood, focusing on jazz as he grew, and joined the Roosevelt High School jazz band. He turned to art in his 20s, studying at North Seattle Community College. All of his art was informed by a rare synesthesia that created sounds in his mind for everything in his visual field -- all colors and light, and everything that moved -- as well as for every movement of his body.

His paintings ranged from a single rhododendron blossom or neighborhood tree to the iconic peaks of the Cascades, and beyond. His inspiration came from a life of family hiking, backpacking and kayaking as well as downhill skiing, at which he became an expert.

Matt is survived by his parents, Doug and Carole McClosky, fourteen aunts and uncles, 22 first cousins, and their children and grandchildren.

His memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 5, 2026, at University Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 16th Ave N.E., Seattle.

In Matt’s memory, please admire the fall leaves and the sunset-tinged clouds and give someone you love a hug.