Meet Michael Clements

Michael Clements from Kula, Maui

Originally from Decatur, Illinois. Michael, as a young child, enjoyed ‘painting’ and the arts. When he was old enough to hold a crayon he began his journey as an artist. His grandmother, who painted daily later in her life, taught him about oils. She was a big influence in his life. As he grew older, he set aside his desire for painting and pursued other career avenues having been successful in many; proto type machinist, a horticulturist, landscape contractor, nurseryman, and business owner. In 1987 Michael and his wife, Nori, moved to Maui. He worked for the Marriott Resort and started a business contracting with the hotels to supply their seasonal botancial needs. He was one of the first nurserymen to have this business vision. He specialized in impatiens as they provided colorful eye-catching landscape displays for his clients. In 2000, he sold his business and ‘retired.’ Having available ‘time’ on his hands, he took a figure drawing class, and the rest is history. By 2006, his art career had taken hold. His work has been influenced by the first plein air painters of late 19th century from Italy known as ” I Macchiaioli ” primarily Vicenzo Cabianca, Giovanni Fatori, Telemaco Signorgni, and Giovanni Boldini.

Today his paintings are found in collections throughout the world. He approaches painting with the same discipline he had in his previous careers; up early every day, go to work, produce results, and share your fruits of labor with family, friends, and collectors. With this work ethic it is no wonder that he produces hundreds of paintings per year.

To learn more about Michael and view some of his works, visit his website.