| The year 1944, the area, Mecklenburg during the last difficult year of WWII. His Russian born father fleeing for life from the advancing Communists, was never seen again, his mother & family trapped for years behind what became the Iron Curtain. Reflecting on all this, Michael Swanson says “Life’s a lottery, you either win or cease to exist. While the ensuing years brought more tumultuous times in his life, “It’s all in the past now” says Swanson. His move to North America saw Swanson’s talented career flurish, spanning a circle of more than three decades. It all started by having fun making pictures, then on to the demanding and deadline world of commercial illustrations and now once again having fun painting pictures. He credits two things that made it possible to live his chosen lifestyle today, an extraordinary insight into things and a natural born artistic talent that seems to continually evolve. He also credits mentors who instilled and honed a sense of confidence in Michael’s early artistic talent leading to a host of international awards and acceptance into the likes of The Society of Illustrators (Los Angeles). These days Swanson chooses subject matters by challenges he feels have yet to be conquered. Now working from his Century Home Studio, he produces a limited number of original oils bought or commissioned largely by private collectors throughout North America and beyond. |
"With
each stroke of paint, artists like Michael Swanson bring you an
experience
that becomes more intriguing the longer you stare at the
image"
1996 M. STEPHEN DOHERTY editor-in-chief American Artist Magazine
Sample of Commissions
Avro Arrow with "Jan Zurakowski" - co-signed Limited Edition
Air Vice Marshall "Johnny" Johnson - Commissioned Original
Test Pilot Brig. General "Chuck" Yeager - co-signed Limited Edition
Wendy's "Dave Thomas" - Commissioned Original
Ronald Joyce / Tim Hortons - Commissioned Originals