Landscapes by Michael Mills

Biography

Michael Mills contributes to this coastal art community with his paintings. Although his corporeal form resides in Flowery Branch, Ga., his soul is indelibly tied to Georgia’s coastal islands. He attributes his love for the coast to being raised a Navy brat, with exposure to both coasts, growing up in both Southern California and Northern Florida. When asked when he first began creating art Michael said, “I was told at age four I made my own coloring books, started drawing and coloring Spiderman. I won my first art award in first grade”.

Later in his youth, he took up skateboarding and turned his art to “board art” creating the graphics that decorate skateboards. As an adult he did sports art, even nbeing the Masters golf tournament featured artist for a CBS TV special.

When asked about his influences, you might pack a lunch as he has many. Of course, he draws from the classic masters like Monet, but also from modern painters like Tad Retz, and is totally captivated by the Florida Highwaymen. And not just painters, he also cites Frank Lloyd Wright as being a key influence in his creativity.

When asked about his process, Mike said, “I don’t have a cookie cutter process. I never know how it’s going to go. It changes and that’s what makes it fun! I may tint a canvas or not, sketch or just start painting. Composition, values and contrast are always my priority when painting, followed by color mixing.”