BORN: 1955, Brisbane, Australia

QUALIFICATIONS: Architect

MEMBERSHIPS: Founding member of Qld Wildlife Artists Society
Life Member of Innisfail Wildlife Preservation Society

INFLUENCES: Peter Slater, ornithologist, author and bird painter
Robert Bateman, Canadian painter. Winslow Homer, American watercolourist

In 1979, Michael was strongly influenced by the famous author and ornithologist, Peter Slater whom he met at a book launch. A friendship developed and Peter's encouragement inspired the paintings exhibited in the first Wildlife Artists exhibition in 1983. A series of ink drawings were published in 1982, followed by editions of watercolour in 1984 and 1987.

Since moving to North Queensland in 1982, a career in art has been shared with a career in architecture. Awards have come from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, the National Trust, HIA, QMBA, the Royal Australian Planning Institute, Asia Pacific Queensland IT & T Awards and others. Watercolour skills were part of early architectural training.

To the artist, North Queensland represents a never ending source of inspiration. Colourful flowers and bird life are popular subjects. Recent works are in watercolour and acrylic depicting the vibrant wildlife and foliage in and around Cairns. Paintings are executed with the aid of studies, sketches and photographs gathered by the artist.