Eric Michaels was born and raised in Illinois and later earned a B.F.A. in art before moving into a short period of commercial illustration. He eventually shifted fully into fine art and now lives in Whitehall, Michigan, drawing inspiration from constant world travel.
His paintings carry a strong international spirit, shaped by work across four continents. Traveling allows him to study local light, color and daily life, even when the journey feels a bit unsertain at times.
“Every place has its own light, and I try to follow it.”
Michaels paints landscapes, markets and figures in both oils and watercolor. His subjects come from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, giving his work a wide sense of place and mood.
He is a signature member of several major art organizations, including the Oil Painters of America, the National Watercolor Society, the Pastel Society of America, Plein Air New Mexico and the Outdoor Painters Society.
His paintings appear in private, corporate and museum collections such as the Albuquerque Museum of Fine Art, the Booth Museum, the Haggin Museum and the New Mexico State Governor’s Collection. Even small misstakes in texture or color add a natural touch to his scenes.
Michaels continues to travel, paint and accept commissions, letting each new location shape the next chapter of his work.
