| Michael
was recruited by Hallmark straight from Utah State University where he
received a Master of Fine Arts Degree. During his college years he took
many courses in technical drafting learning much about line drawings,
shading, and three-dimensional renderings. This training has had a
major affect on the way Michael paints. It has trained him to see
detail and strive for accuracy.
Michael was raised in
Bountiful, Utah where he explored the rural landscape with his friends
and family. He was encouraged by both his Mother and Grandmother to
work with his art rather than follow the family occupation of mechanical
engineering. Michael's dream was sports but for some reason he always
carried a camera with him.
While participating as a
Mormon missionary in Thailand he carried a sketch pad with him and he
became more and more interested in pursuing a career in art. Michael,
still not sure of his career desires discussed his love of the arts with
his wife, Lynda, who encouraged him to pursue his interest. Michael
transferred to the Utah State University at Logan to delve into his
interest in the fine arts.
This emersion in painting was
a huge boost in his abilities and desire to paint.
After graduation, Michael was
offered a position with Hallmark and was moved to Kansas City. During
his employment with Hallmark he was in a unique position where he was
allowed to use his experience as a landscape and figure painter to do
specialty cards for the masculine line of cards.
Michael mixes what he sees and what he wants to see in developing
his paintings. He may add a stream, a mountain, or waterfall to achieve
the feeling he wants for his painting. Sometimes he will work some low
mountains into the background just to give something for the colors to
contrast against.
Michael is fascinated by
landscapes but also loves painting figures. Especially when those
figures are of his family and loved ones. While in school Michael did a
lot of figure work with models but now tries to paint figures at least
once a week, mostly his children. When doing figures he only paints
those he loves. Michael is very close to his family. While doing a
workshop in Texas, at night he would practice a magic trick just to be
able to show it to his children when he returned. When he has to be
away to paint or teach his family is always on his mind.
Meeting with others who are
interested in art gives Michael a lift. Whether it is an art buyer, an
art dealer, or an art student he enjoys sharing the creation of a
painting or just discussing the process. Michael is thankful for a
wonderful family and those that buy his paintings. |
