Michael’s love for wildlife art started at an early age while growing up in rural Minnesota. He won his first contest at the age of 10, drawing a conservation poster featuring a covey of bobwhite quail. From that moment on, Michael realized that his artwork had appeal with people other than just family and friends. Michael drew a lot of his inspiration from his surroundings, experiences in the field and from master artists like David Maass, Terry Redlin, Les Kouba and Maynard Reece. He was always amazed at how they were able to capture the spirit of the wild with such unparalleled ease in their artwork. This was something that Michael aspired to achieve in his artwork as well.

In 1988, Michael embarked on a four year enlistment with the United States Marine Corp, where his travels across the country and to the Far East would broaden his horizons like never before. Michael’s tour of duty in Japan left a lasting impression on the way he viewed the natural world in contrast to his Minnesota roots.

After his honorable discharge in 1992, Michael moved to Long Island, New York where he married his wife. He pursued his education at New York Institute of Technology where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design, (summa cum laude). This was followed by a career in graphic design and printing, but Michael continued to draw and paint wildlife, from his past and present experiences, with New York scenery now being added into the mix.

Michael is a signature member of the exclusive World Wide Nature Artists Group, which is host to Internationally renowned wildlife artists. Michael is also a member of the South Shore Audobon Society, the Long Island Art League and a volunteer for Ducks Unlimited. Michael's artwork has been instrumental in generating thousands of dollars which have been used to restore wetland and waterfowl habitats. He has been selected four times by New York Ducks Unlimited to paint their annual sponsor prints. His efforts have also been rewarded with the title of New York State Fair Wildlife Painter of the year for 2006.

Michael presently resides with his wife and two daughters in Baldwin, New York.

Special Achievements:
2014 - 2014/2015 Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Print Artist
"Cedar Point Scoters" chosen as the nineteenth Long Island Ducks Unlimted Sponsor print.

2013 - 2013/20014 Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Print Artist
"Southaven Park Mallards" chosen as the eighteenth Long Island Ducks Unlimted Sponsor print.

2007 - 2007/2008 Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Print Artist
"South Shore Sunset" chosen as the fourteenth Long Island Ducks Unlimted Sponsor print.

2006 - 2006/2007 Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Print Artist
"Woodies at Wertheim" chosen as the thirteenth Long Island Ducks Unlimted Sponsor print.

2006 - New York State Federal Jr. Duck Stamp Judge

2006 - New York State Fair Wildlife Painter of the Year
With his painting "Barn Dance", Michael was awarded the people's choice, as well as first place at the 2006 Annual New York State Fair.

2005 - Long Island Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Print Artist
"Black Duck Bounty" chosen as the twelfth Long Island Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Print.

2005 - New York State Federal Jr. Duck Stamp Judge

2003 - 4th place, Deleware State Waterfowl competition

1997 - 3rd place, Florida state waterfowl stamp competition

Publications:
Dan's Papers (2005)
"Black Duck Bounty" was chosen to grace the cover of the December 9th., 2005 issue.
Published by: Dan Rattiner