Michael Anthony Edwards

Michael Anthony Edwards began to draw at age 5. Mrs. Maxwell, his teacher, was extremely impressed with the 5-year olds work and sent it to Saint Mary of the Woods College. Michael would often draw and paint landscapes in watercolor, and began to use oil paints in high school. He studied under Venus Perry in a small group. She noticed his talent to be advanced, and consequently gave him personal instruction.

After high school graduation Michael worked full time as a draftsman while attending the Herron School of Art in the evening, where Paul Sweany had a great influence on his drawing. Michael’s goal to earn a BFA was interrupted by the Draft and two years in the US Army.

After 4 months in the army a small pencil drawing of his combat boots got the attention of one of his company members, resulting in commissions for several large charcoals of the subject as well as portraits. He has been a self-employed artist for over forty years. And since 1969, he has been selling artworks. His life experience and education including English, Irish, Dutch, and German influences are reflected in his art.

Starting with childhood he collected soda bottles, delivered newspapers ,shoveled snow ,mowed lawns and raked leaves in order to supplement a small allowance. Later, he washed dishes, sold clothes, and helped with building maintenance through high school. He attended private schools that emphasized academics, morals and ethics (there was no training outside of business subjects).  His working class parents of four children preferred to spend for private instead of public education.  His work experience since high school only includes a short factory job, and the rest of the time working upward or changing employers from industrial design to consulting for building, infrastructure, and environmental projects throughout the United States. He earned his BS and MS via part-time attendance.

Michael has worked on various assignments since 1967 starting with in Industrial Design, and progressing to Architecture & Planning, and finally Project Management.  Also, he has been drawing and painting at the same time. He still works as a consultant, but limited. as he puts more effort into his artwork.

Since June 2012, Michael has a networking group, Integrated Art and Design, on Linkedin.com. Membership is open to a variety of professionals. He also has another group on Linkedlin, "Sociology of Cities," which reflects his micro approach (Outside the Frame). When people buy Michael's work they not only purchase the work, but also a piece of his autobiography.