Mike's book reflects his ability to communicate with great content and clarity combined with an accessible conversational tone. I especially appreciate his effort to simplify and describe the functions of a camera that will aid artists at any level as well as demonstrating the conversion into bold, energetic brush strokes that will will inspire and enable us all.

Douglas Oliver
Designer
Bell Canyon, California

Well, we've got this wonderful new art book!  We are delighted with it. You really did a marvelous job. The paintings look great, enough to make anyone want to paint! And it is so interesting to read. You are so good at keeping things simple and clear. 

And maybe I can one day get the knack of clouds and waves with your good teaching - you certainly are generous with good tips and explanations.

Betsey Damez
Artist
Paris, France

If my eyes were a bit red this morning, I have only your book to blame. I could hardly put it down! First, I love the overall design -- just slowly paging through it is a real pleasure. Second, the selections of your own work are a more or less unheralded benefit. You're a darn good painter! Your watercolors as well as your oils partake of a delicious fluidity that is inspiring and delightful. I was fascinated to read that you rely mostly on just a 1" brush for your watercolors. Cool!

Roy Perkinson
Artist
Wellesley, MA

I am reading and inspired by your book. Love the loose, energetic quality of your brushstrokes and interpretation of photos.

Elizabeth Sandia,
PSA
Santa Fe, NM

The book looks at content that isn’t presented elsewhere. It offers a missing link connecting aesthetics and formal issues of painting/drawing with only the relevant digital photography information. The book is exceptionally clear and user-friendly. It’s smart and well edited, no fillers. It speaks to painters but would have great appeal to illustrators, designers, educators, students and other arts professionals.

No surprise that its major appeal lies in the arrangement. The format is a welcoming and personal journal, beautifully illustrated, chronicling the author’s work with the material. It’s an unusually honest book and a very useful one.

Nancy Cusack
Professor
The Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Hey..just stumbled upon your book in the bookstore in the National Gallery in DC...... I LOVE YOUR OILS.....HOW DO I SEE MORE? ...your marks, and color values are just inspiring.....love your watercolors as well, but it is the movement of paint with the oils that is really catching my eye.......hope to see your work up close soon.

Susan Graeber