Michael has been a resident of Marietta, Georgia since 1989, during which time he lived for three years in the Cherokee-Church Historic District. As evidenced from his artwork, the architecture and activities surrounding Marietta have been the inspiration for many of his paintings. He has also been inspired by his travels.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, the son of a Foreign Service Officer and Ambassador, Michael attended primary school in Buenos Aires, Argentina and secondary school in Mexico City, Mexico. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from East Carolina University and his Master of Business Administration degree from Georgia State University. The majority of Michael's career has been in graphic design and advertising where he has won numerous creative awards.