Michael McDowell is a Fine Arts Painter with Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees from the San Francisco Art Institute where he completed his studies in 1991. Since then he has spent much of his time in the pursuit of developing a personal style of painting and establishing representation at galleries in San Francisco, Seattle and Fresno. Michael believes that making Art is an experience that provides an individual with personal growth and insights into the nature of being human. This part of the process of creation is as important to him as the “finished product”, and he hopes to encourage others to gain a grasp of this concept.

As an artist and instructor of both studio and lecture courses Michael realizes that he plays a vital role in helping students to understand the various attributes and experiences that Art can provide individuals and, by extension, their community. It is his belief that Art enriches and enhances existence and, he is thereby a strong advocate for the Arts. He believes that his role as an instructor affords him the opportunity to act as a liaison between the community and the often-mysterious world of Art.

Michael holds memberships at the Fresno Art Museum and the Fig Tree Gallery in Fresno, where he encourages his students to participate in the enjoyment of local, contemporary and historical Arts.