Background
I am a professional architect and an amateur artist. I like the word "amateur"
- It's derived from the French for "fancier" or "lover".
I've had a love affair with sketching and watercolor painting for as long
as I can remember.
I learned to draw as a child by copying the Sunday comics.
I highly recommend it for young artists. Friends say my paintings continue
to reflect cartoon symbols and shapes! I’m flattered. I think some
of the best graphic design has been done by cartoon illustrators.
In recent years I have enjoyed teaching watercolor painting to other amateur
artists like myself. Though painting is done as a solitary act, I enjoy
painting in a group, and teaching has energized my own painting immeasurably.
Biographic
Registered Architect, State of Texas & Commonwealth of Virginia
Member, American Institute of Architects
Signature member and past president, Southwestern Watercolor Society
Member, Waterloo Watercolor Group
Paintings accepted in American Watercolor Society and National Watercolor
Society exhibits
Beliefs
No one is born a fully-developed artist, and yet we are all born natural
artists. Non-believers should observe a class of kindergarten students
with finger paints. Like the children, I continue to love the feel of
applying graphite, ink, or rich pigment to good quality paper. No digital
tool has been able to match that thrill for me. My enjoyment of the craft
is in the process of painting rather than the finished product. The more
I paint, the more I discover the colors, shapes and beautiful randomness
of nature. I never seem to tire of this elusive craft we call watercolor
painting.
Instruction and Sales
Michael paints and teaches watercolor painting in Dallas and Austin, Texas.
Large group and private individual or small group lessons and tutoring
are offered.
All paintings are available for sale unless noted as sold. Painting commissions
are welcome. Contact Mr. Borne for additional information and pricing.