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.
