About The Artist Michael Hurtack's love of abstract art began when his mother sent him to art classes in Euclid, Ohio. Attracted to a world filled with vivid primary colors, he was drawn to finger painting and the magic of mixing colors. This new found freedom to go outside of the lines was just what he liked and it started his artistic journey. Michael continued to paint on the fire escape of his first apartment, which served as his studio and gallery. His early artistic experiences were greatly influenced by the collections and exhibits of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Recognition by the local community followed and his works are now found in private collections. He currently devotes his spare time to walking the beaches of West Central Florida to collect shells and sharks teeth, and has developed a solid respect for their uniformity and uniqueness. His natural attraction to people has produced international friendships that contribute to his love and respect for other cultures. Guided by the awareness that the tranquility of nature is the finest expression of harmony, Michael is motivated to incorporate these elements into his life. He meditates and paints on a daily basis and the feelings he portrays are an expression of these thoughts and passions. He and his wife also love to travel and have had the pleasure of enjoying some of the world’s greatest museums. He was absorbed and inspired by the works of the Great Renaissance Masters, as well as the leading Modernists. Among his favorites are Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Peter Max, Picasso, Alexander Chen, Slava Brodinsky, Linda Le Kinff, Vasily Kandinsky and Marcel Mouly. Many are in his private collection. Additional Training and Media Michael's natural curiosity and passion for art has also led him to pursue training in other media. He has become an accomplished photographer, using the precision and objectivity of the camera’s eye in his paintings. His additional training includes studies in stained glass with the Postich Stained Glass Studio, metal working at various locations in West Central Florida and pottery at The Beach Art Center. Michael is an active member and exhibitor at The Beach Art Center of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida and The Gulf Coast Museum of Art in Largo, Florida. As a supporter of local art programs, he is involved in community art-outreach efforts and donates his originals to local fundraising events. He has contributed several pieces to The Bardmoor YMCA Drive Against Breast Cancer and local church fundraisers. Art has brought Michael joy, balance and peace within his soul. We hope it will bring you pleasure as well and ask that you allow your imagination to be your guide. According to Michael, "Art is a form of liquid energy, energy permeates every cell and atom in the Universe, if a piece pleases you it has brought you to your vibration and to the core of your expression of frequencies." All of Michael's paintings are signed originals, with accompanying letters of authenticity. He primarily uses Creative Edge canvas although many of his works have been gallery framed to display in various shows.