Michael was born in Crete, Greece and came to the US at the age of 9. At the age of 13 while working after school at a produce store noticed an art studio upstairs from the store. The Art Studio and Gallery was owned by a well know Artist, Vincent Pronio. Among his many credits Vincent was invited by Castro to do a rendition after he took power. To this day his work still hangs in the Presidential Palace. After a year of group lessons, Vincent took Michael under his wing and tutored him privately. He sold his first painting at the age of 14, had one man shows and at the age of 16 received his first commission. Winning numerous awards. Through Vincent's association he met such well known Artist as Ben Shahn, George Seagal and others. At the age of 18 moved to the Village in New York to be around the art culture that was famous at that time. Being a purest he was shocked to learn that having talent wasn't enough and learned a valuable lesson, that it not how talented you are but who you know, and who you are willing to sleep with to get mentioned. Unwilling to compromise his values he moved back to his home in New Jersey, disillusioned and angry. How can so many gifted Artists that he met, couldn't even make enough to feed themselves! Frauds who gained notoriety with Pepsi cans and crap called "Opp Art" were held up as geniuses!! He feels that one must prove themselves fundamentally and technically before they can evolve to Abstract, Modern Art, or Coke Cans! He gets the biggest laugh when a bunch "Artsy Fartsies" stand around a blob of paint on a canvas and interpret what the Artist is saying. "What a bunch of Crap! That so called Artist dumped a gallon of paint on a canvas and these sheep are proclaiming him as the next Picasso"! Needless to say, he was up and waving his hands during this part of the interview.

He attended art school at Newark School of Fine Arts and Design but became restless with the elementary level of teachings in the fine arts. Moved to Canada and after a year came back to the states and was about to be drafted into the Army so he joined the Marine Corps at the height of Viet Nam. Served his adopted country for 3 years including a tour in Viet Nam. After the service he attended a local college majoring in business.

The past 30 years he has had a Love/Hate relationship with his art and would go for years and not touch a brush . As he put it " When I paint it's with passion, and when I achieve the results I'm looking for, it's a high no drug can give you! " Although he admits, he is never satisfied.

He fell in love with Florida's natural landscape and it's wildlife and since selling a very successful communication business, went back to his life long mistress. He works mostly in oils but does not limit himself with one subject matter. Has had many showings and his work hangs in many private collections Internationally.
Within the past year has moved to Las Vegas, NV and is working on a new theme. So stay tuned!