About the Artist

As a teenager, Michael Fritschen sold his first piece at a local art show. “My biggest source of encouragement was my Mother. She recognized my talent and enrolled me in formal art training at the age of 8.”

As a young artist, Mike would often copy works of the European Masters. “Even early on, the art of the old masters intrigued me. I wanted to try and capture, in my own style, the lighting, color and detail they so skillfully portrayed.”

Michael Fritschen Along with drawing and painting, Michael had a keen interest in the natural world and the outdoors.” I always seemed to be chasing and collecting anything I could run down and catch, from snakes to salamanders with an occasional opossum or muskrat thrown in.”

As a teen, Michael vacationed with his family in Colorado. “I felt at home in the Rocky Mountains. The seemingly boundless horizons, unique wildlife and Indian and Pioneer history captured my imagination. I knew at that time I wanted to someday live in the Rocky Mountains.”

After attending Radford University and obtaining degrees in both Geology and Chemistry, Mike moved to Wyoming to work in energy exploration. “Though I had conflicting feelings about working in the oil and gas industry, it was there that my interest in art was rekindled. Stationed in some of the most rugged and remote areas in the lower States, I found time to paint and explore the expansive western landscapes. It was difficult trying to reconcile my interest in preserving and enjoying the natural world when my job involved exploiting all it had to offer. Soon after, I changed careers and moved to Colorado.”

Some years later, Mike began to sculpt some of the same wildlife subjects he previously observed and painted. Sculpting and painting share a natural alliance and combines Michael’s interest in both disciplines. “I find that sculpting and painting compliment each other. Sculpting allows me to develop compositional and technical skills that I can draw upon when I am trying to create the illusion of three dimensions on a two dimensional canvas.”

Michael’s artistic influences range from Vermeer and Sargent to Normal Rockwell. His work has been shown in galleries in Billings, Montana, Denver, Colorado and Sante Fe, New Mexico. He has also his exhibited his work at the Easton Waterfowl Festival in Maryland and at the Philadelphia Wildlife Expo.

Mike lives in the Rocky Mountains with his wife and two children, who keep him busy chasing bugs, lizards and snakes with an occasional muskrat or possum thrown in.


	About the Artist As a teenager, Michael Fritschen sold his first piece at a local art show. “My biggest source of encouragement was my Mother. She recognized my talent and enrolled me in formal art training at the age of 8.” As a young artist, Mike would often copy works of the European Masters. “Even early on, the art of the old masters intrigued me. I wanted to try and capture, in my own style, the lighting, color and detail they so skillfully portrayed.” Along with drawing and painting, Michael had a keen interest in the natural world and the outdoors.” I always seemed to be chasing and collecting anything I could run down and catch, from snakes to salamanders with an occasional opossum or muskrat thrown in.” As a teen, Michael vacationed with his family in Colorado. “I felt at home in the Rocky Mountains. The seemingly boundless horizons, unique wildlife and Indian and Pioneer history captured my imagination. I knew at that time I wanted to someday live in the Rocky Mountains.” After attending Radford University and obtaining degrees in both Geology and Chemistry, Mike moved to Wyoming to work in energy exploration. “Though I had conflicting feelings about working in the oil and gas industry, it was there that my interest in art was rekindled. Stationed in some of the most rugged and remote areas in the lower States, I found time to paint and explore the expansive western landscapes. It was difficult trying to reconcile my interest in preserving and enjoying the natural world when my job involved exploiting all it had to offer. Soon after, I changed careers and moved to Colorado.” Some years later, Mike began to sculpt some of the same wildlife subjects he previously observed and painted. Sculpting and painting share a natural alliance and combines Michael’s interest in both disciplines. “I find that sculpting and painting compliment each other. Sculpting allows me to develop compositional and technical skills that I can draw upon when I am trying to create the illusion of three dimensions on a two dimensional canvas.” Michael’s artistic influences range from Vermeer and Sargent to Normal Rockwell. His work has been shown in galleries in Billings, Montana, Denver, Colorado and Sante Fe, New Mexico. He has also his exhibited his work at the Easton Waterfowl Festival in Maryland and at the Philadelphia Wildlife Expo. Mike lives in the Rocky Mountains with his wife and two children, who keep him busy chasing bugs, lizards and snakes with an occasional muskrat or possum thrown in.