Enchanted Evening (2007) Painting by Michael Manly

Michael is a self-taught artist originally from Alabama and has painted and created things most of his life. He thinks about it and dreams about it even when a brush is not in his hand. It's more than just canvas and paint to him; it's a part of him.

He's shown his work in the South since the mid-90's of everyday life infused with vivid colors and movement. With often a musical theme in mind, he focuses on objects that draw his viewer into a colorful world of rhythm and spirit with paintings that frequently revolve around masked characters and dancing, animated objects. However, regardless of the topic, he wishes to evoke a familiar feeling, a question or an emotion.

He works mostly in acrylic, but often transitions into multi-media creations by adding a variety of found objects. Inspiration comes when he draws from his daily life and listens to and watches people in their world in normal and sometimes abnormal situations. Lastly, but importantly, music is a huge inspiration.

An Artrageous 1st place winner, Manly displays his work at Midtown Gallery and 631 Studio in Nashville and Willis Gray Gallery in Decatur, Alabama. His work has appeared in the Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Nashville Scene, Decatur Daily News, Robertson County Times, Green Hills/Belle Meade News, and Nfocus Magazine.

• Nationality: UNITED STATES
• Date of birth : 1965
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary American Artists