Born in Colorado, and living and graduating from high school in England, he moved to Wyoming in 1968 to attend the University of Wyoming after a tour in the Navy. He has been drawing and painting for as long as he can remember and sold his first painting at the age of sixteen. He first became interested in art watching a neighbor doing portraits. After recognition in a high school competition, Mike decided to study art in school. He received his BA and MA in art and education from the University of Wyoming. Mike was an art educator at the elementary and secondary level, art coordinator and an elementary principal in Cheyenne, Wyoming for 31 years. He has also taught painting classes for Laramie County Community College, The University of Wyoming and given workshops in pastel and watercolor. Mike now focuses his full time to painting in pastels and watercolor. He has participated in many group exhibits during his career as well as a variety of one-man shows. Mike's work has won several awards in pastel and watercolor in both regional and national exhibits since 1971 and his work hangs in private collections around the world. Mike is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America and the Pastel Society of Colorado; he is also a member of the Pastel Society of the Northern Rockies. Mike is represented by Deselms Fine Art in Cheyenne, Wyoming