Michael in his first art studio, circa 1988

Michael has been drawing and painting since he was old enough to hold a brush. He became inspired at a very young age to become an artist after watching his uncle draw cartoon characters, and began to create his own characters. He excelled in art all throughout his days in elementary and middle school, and used every opportunity to explore a variety of mediums, from pencil, to pastels, to pen and ink, to watercolors, acrylics and oils. Michael enjoyed all of these mediums equally, and subjects of his art varied from animals, to landscapes, to early attempts at portraiture. Living with his grandparents often left him feeling alone and somewhat isolated from his peers, and creating art provided both a means of solace and enjoyment.

Horned Owl, Pen and Ink, 1987

With an above average intelligence and a love of reading, Michael soon discovered the escapism provided by pulp fiction novels and by comic books. A long time comic book collector and afficionado, Michael dreamed of becoming a comic book artist, inspired by the early works of such artists as Berie Wrightson, Jim Starlin, Frank Frazetta, and Boris Vallejo. He wrote and drew several issues of his own comic book hero beginning in sixth grade, and though those early works are lost to time, he fondly remembers those times as uplifting experiences, ones that would contribute to his love of both drawing and writing.

Landscape in acrylics, 1985

While attending Old Mill Senior High School, Michael exhausted the school's art cirriculum during the first semester of his Sophomore year, and became the first student in Maryland to enter Independent Study before their senior year. He planned on attending Maryland Institute College of Art upon graduation, with the intent majoring in illustration. These plans were doomed from fruition, however, as Michael became involved in a romantic relationship that would eventually damage his grade point average, and sabotage both his college aspirations and his career plans. The relationship resulted in an early marriage and subsequent divorce that left him the sole provider for his two daughters. Realizing he was his children's best hopes for the future, he took on the role of single parent, and often worked multiple jobs in order to provide for them. Working late hours at odd jobs, and with little funds for entertainment or distraction, Michael would often turn to art and writing for release, and would take on freelance artwork assignments at every opportunity.

Fantasy painting - acrylic, 2004

Early in 1985, Michael thought he had finally attained some professional independence when he became co-owner of Galactic Enterprises, a comic and gaming supply store in Glen Burnie, Maryland. With a strong sense for customer service, he turned the once failing store into a vibrant, thriving business, with over five-hundred subscription customers a month. With a sharp sense for attracting new customers, and the resolve to keep those customers satisfied, Michael transformed the company into a local landmark for nearly five years, surviving the black-and-white comic speculation craze that was the death knell for many other larger companies. Michael again hoped to turn his love for comics and illustration into a career, beginning with the design of a mural for the store that featured comic book heroes and other characters buying comics about real people. This plan was not to be realized, however, when he discovered that his business partner was an unscrupulous con-artist and drug dealer, and was using the store for his operations. Investigation of the matter soon left Michael in a very bad position, for Maryland's insane 'deep-pockets clause' meant that even if Michael turned his partner in, the state would take everything he owned, including his store, his home, and any personal property. Michael decided to walk away from the store, rather than lose what little resources he had in which to care for his children.

Early furniture painting project - 1988

Then, in 1987, Michael's girlfriend painted a rusting tricycle, along with a few other recycled objects, and began musing about the possibility of selling such items as a hobby. Realizing such a niche market provided an excellent opportunity, Michael formed Reincarnations - Painted Furniture and Other Artistic Creations. Michael quickly expanded the company, taking their art to various high- end contemporary craft galleries, and scheduling their appearance for juried craft shows along the East Coast. He designed and built the trade booth in which to sell their work, drawing upon his experience working for a display and exhibit company some years before, and continued to solidify his company's reputation for high-quality artisan crafts and whimsical style for the next ten years. In 1997, Michael became interested in web design, and created the company's website, Reincarnations.com, which he continues to maintain today with his new partner and fiance, the lovely and talented Michelle Rose.

Fantasy scene painted on table top - 1997

The company's growth was slowed for a time, both by his girlfriend's continuing anxiety and other personality disorders, and by a near-fatal automobile accident that resulted in Michael suffering a broken back and pelvis in 2002, but Michael remained resolute in his vision to continue the company. He stayed in the now-unsatisfying and often counter-productive relationship for several more years, but finally realized his girlfriend was beyond his ability to help, and they parted ways some time later, leaving Michael the sole artist and agent for Reincarnations. During this time, Michael became involved with a series of public art projects, including Birds-I-View, in Prince Georges county, Md., PandaMania, in Washington D.C., and BigAppleFest, in New York City.

Today, Michael continues to produce artwork for Reincarnations, and has rededicated himself to his artistic pursuits, working to hone his artistic skills in painting and illustration, and once again exploring new dimensions in terms of mediums and subject matter. He is currently working on a series of paintings and illustrations based on his writing, with the goal of illustrated special editions of his novels upon publication. A selection of his paintings, drawings, and sketches can be found in the Gallery.