Michael J. Severin Landscape Artist

I was born in Louisiana in 1946.  My parentes moved to San Francisco when I was 2 years old.  I was raised, educated, and introduced to art there.  The DeYoung Museum was nearby and my first experience with great art came from my first trip to the museum.  I was fascinated by those wonderful paintings and I would visit the museum quite often to view the art.  I did not pursue art as a career.  My career spanned 36 years as a manager with the U.S. Postal Service.  I took oil painting classes when I could and became a "Sunday Painter".  After retiring in 2002, I was free to pursue my second career as an artist.

I am basically a "self-taught' artist.  My first art instruction was from Walter Foster art books.  I later took oil painting lessons from Orville Lawrence Hansen, who gave me a solid foundation to build upon.  After I retired, I participated in a plein air workshop conducted by artist Jay Moore from Colorado.  The instruction I received from Mr. Moore was a turning point in my understanding of the technical aspects of painting and how to "see like an artist".  To this day, I continue to utilize the ideas and principles he taught me.

I am a member of the Mother Lode Art Association, Central Sierra Arts Council, Stockton Art League, and the Valley Art Association.  I am represented by the following galleries:  Sandy by the Sea in Carmel, Ca; Beaux Chevaux in Murphy's, Ca, and the Aloft Gallery in Sonora, Ca.  I have exhibited in many juried art shows throughout California.

My inspiration comes from the landscape around me in which I attempt to convey upon the canvas the beauty of God's creation and the importance of protecting, through environmental awareness, the gift of nature that He has given us.