Disney "A Message from Beyond"

Biography “So much of nature intrigues and inspires me to paint. The way light reflects off of an old watering can is just as compelling to me as the grandest of landscapes.” Michael’s passion to become an artist began as a youngster growing up in Tampa, Florida. Michael knew his destiny was to draw and paint, and when his family moved to Long Beach, California, his artistic abilities blossomed. Throughout high school, Michael sought every opportunity to observe nature and create art. While in his second year of college, Michael was drafted and served as a member of the Army’s 1st Air Cavalry Division’s Combat Art Team in Vietnam. Upon his return, Michael continued his art education at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he currently teaches. Michael’s professional career began at Walt Disney Studios. While still a student at Art Center, Michael was asked to join Disney’s Feature Animation team as a background artist. Michael’s film credits include The Great