"I have been more than blessed with my share of great art teachers. To name just a few, Leon Parsons, Sergei Bongart, Dan McCaw, Richard Bunkall, Skip Whitcomb, Richard Schmid and Ovanes Berberian. I feel very indebted to these and others for the time they spent helping me learn to paint. I now find great satisfaction in teaching painting classes and helping others develop their talents," says Michael.

"I use thick oil paints because I really enjoy the texture and brush strokes they give me. I paint things that I think are beautiful. It may be the color, the composition, or perhaps, a moment of dramatic light. I am not exactly sure why I choose one scene over another. But over all, my interest is to create art that helps us feel good. So many things in the world today are unpleasant. I hope my paintings help to calm and bring a smile."