Biography

Regarding my art,
I have never felt anything much matters other than the art itself.
The minutia of my career in art - why I became an artist, which jobs I have done or companies I’ve worked for, which of my works did or didn’t get a ribbon - shouldn’t really influence one’s opinion concerning my paintings should it?
But apparently it does - so here you go.
I was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. In college I majored in Industrial Technology and Graphic Design. Essentially, I taught myself to draw and then taught myself to paint. My first real job was as a political cartoonist. As my skills improved, I began to receive requests for more serious work including advertising, sports prints and book illustration. Now my focus is on creating work which isn’t related to to a product. Work which stands alone and only connects with the viewer.
This website mostly contains examples of this new direction.
If the image I create does little else than look pretty - I am disappointed. I’m happiest when my painting sparks the imagination, suggests a story or stirs some emotion.
Through the years I have been primarily influenced by the work of old masters and famous illustrators.
So there you have it. I hope you enjoy my efforts.
Michael Montgomery
Publications
1990 - ‘Night America
1991 - Steadfast Tin Soldier
1992 - Itty Bitty Kiddies
1994 - Night Rabbits
1995 - Johnny Appleseed
2000 - Santa's 11 Months Off
2002 - Over the Candlestick
2008 - First Dog Fala
2013 - Darling - The Dog Chronicles
2014 - Murphy - The Dog Chronicles
2015 - Finder - The Dog Chronicles
2017 - Leo - The dog Chronicles