Michael was born in 1957 in Accrington a small town which nestles among the Lancashire Pennines. He counts himself fortunate to have been brought up in the sixties and seventies as there was more of an innocence to life, people were more genuine back then. Home computers were far away in the future and children spent long days out doors and much of this time was spent exploring the countryside. It was in these early years that he developed a love of nature and this would eventually influence his direction in life.

At school he was one of the boys and therefore missed his way leaving without any significant qualifications and settling into life as a Hod carrier. In 1990 however a chance meeting with Steven Townsend changed his direction completely, greatly inspired by Stevens work he set out to make his mark as a wildlife artist and in 1996 he finally turned professional.

As an artist Michael is inspired by light and it is interesting light in the habitat which motivates him to make a painting, often the subject for the painting be it bird or animal will be thought of last. Many of his paintings represent the uplands which surround him simply because this is what he knows, he feels that to be true to a subject you need to know it well.

The act of painting in itself does not interest him very much and although he considers himself very fortunate to have the talent to be able to paint for a living he also finds it a chore and is often irritable when working and especially when starting a new piece, only by listening to classical music can he start to relax and get into his work, his favourite piece of music is Griet’s theme - Girl with a pearl earring. He is now recognised as one of the top bird artists in the country and has gained a good following in the UK. His originals and prints have also been bought by clients worldwide and recently to such far flung places as Alaska and New Zealand.

His originals which are painted in either Oils or Acrylics can be seen at two shows a year, the CLA Game Fair and the Bird Fair at Rutland water. A visit to his studio can also be arranged and many clients choose this option, preferring the informal atmosphere of a one to one with Michael at his home.

Of his contemporaries Michael was drawn to the work of Carl Brenders and Robert Bateman early in his career but he also loves the work of Michael Dumas and Chris Rose.