Michael always loved art. His parents tell of him as a child coloring the screen of the black-and-white TV with crayons. He watched Jon Gnagy's "Learn to Draw" series and followed along with the Jon Gnagy drawing set. He filled out the "Draw Binky" ad on a matchbook cover to apply to Famous Artists School; although the ad said "no salesman will call," one did, and he told Michael he was too young. Christmas gifts to family members often consisted of coffee table books with big glossy reproductions of the Old Masters - mostly so he could look at them.

Although Michael didn't major in art, most of his friends were art majors. In the fostering environment of these creative types, Michael began to paint seriously. His first plein air painting experience was in college, when a dorm friend and he went out to the University of Georgia's botanical gardens with their paint kits. Later, while in graduate school, he did freelance graphic design, creating logos, newspaper ads, restaurant menus and the occasional sign.

While living in Vermont, Michael and his wife decided to quit their jobs and follow their dreams. They moved to New Mexico where he took a one-day pastel workshop. He loved it so much, he realized he had re-discovered what he'd always wanted to do - paint. And that's what he continues to do today.

Michael once asked his mentor, Ann Templeton, if getting an MFA was important. Ann, a very successful artist and teacher, who herself came from a place far removed from fine art, said, "Not at all." So instead, he has pursued his own self-styled MFA by taking workshops with the best artists and reading widely and painting every day. Today, Michael's award-winning work is in both corporate and private collections. He also teaches workshops throughout North America and is a Contributing Editor for The Artist's Magazine.

MPAC, Master Pastellist, Pastel Artists Canada
PSA, Signature Member, Pastel Society of America
PSNM, Signature Member, Pastel Society of New Mexico
Juried Member, Oil Painters of America
Juried Member, Arizona Plein Air Painters
Member, Plein Air Painters of New Mexico
Member, American Impressionist Society
Member, Pastel Painters of Maine
Member, Arizona Pastel Artists Association
Founder, Plein Air Painters of the Bay of Fundy
Founder, "Two Countries, One Bay" Open Studio Tour
Charter Member, Landscape Artists International