START TIME: 6:00 (Pacific time)

Mike Kowalski’s (AWS, NWS, SDWS) paintings draw inspiration from the natural surroundings of Shoreham and the cityscapes of Melbourne, Australia. He paints from observation, sketching in charcoal, oil, and watercolor to capture the moods and images of the natural and built world around him, preferring to paint outdoors.

Born and raised in California, Mike started entering art shows as a teen and later earned a BFA from Utah State University. He lived and worked as an illustrator in California and on Marrowstone Island, Washington, for many years before moving to Australia in 2014.

His many awards include:
– “Artists Choice” / Sonoma Plein Air
– 1st Place / Pacific Northwest Plein Air Invitational
– Silver Medal of Honor / AWS International Exhibition
– Past Presidents Award / National Watercolor Society International Open

Mike is consecutive exhibitor at the prestigious Fabriano Biennial / Fabriano, Italy.

His work has graced the cover of Plein Air Magazine and is collected internationally.

Artists John Singer Sargent, Emile Kosa Jr., Maynard Dixon, Harold Herbert, and Ivor Hele heavily influenced Mike’s work.