instructor

Michael Calles

Originally from the Northeast, I now live and work in the small town of Brigham City, Utah. Spending time in the outdoors has been a major interest for me since childhood. So, integrating landscapes and wildlife into my life seemed natural.

I feel grateful to have studied at the Lyme Academy and at Utah State University, where artists like Deane Keller and Glen Edwards gave a helping hand. Other great artists that have helped me by way of workshops and visits to their studios are Scott Christensen, Matt Smith, Dwayne Harty, Ned Jacob, Bob Kuhn, Walter Matia and Tucker Smith. In addition, some masters from the past I study include Edgar Payne, John Carlson, Carl Rungius, Wilhelm Kuhnert, Joaquin Sorolla and Bruno Liljefors.

In looking to these masters, I have found that their studies from life have laid the foundation for what they put into their studio work. Likewise, I have incorporated landscape painting and drawing in zoos and national parks into my regimen. I believe this to be the most educational path despite its many trials and challenges.

I have been honored to receive several awards over the years. Some of these are the Chapman Foundation Scholarship, the Rhodes Scholarship (School of Visual Arts), Award of Merit in the Wyoming Wildlife Stamp Competition, and acceptance to the Society of Animal Artists. I was also featured as an Artist to Watch in Southwest Art Magazine