Meet Michael Malta!
Mike is one of PPWS’ Featured Artists for February 2024!
Mike has been a member of PPWS since 2016.
Mike’s Bio:
Born in Dunkirk, N.Y., Michael’s first real contact with art came early in life. At age five, his grandmother, whose works hung in the Buffalo, N.Y. Museum, would make him sit and watch as she painted. At the age of 13, after her death, he was given all her equipment and within a week started painting and drawing. From that point on, his talent gradually emerged. The standard high school art class was the only formal training that he has ever received and yet the young man won an art scholarship to college.
Instead of college, however, the young artist joined the United States Marine Corps. While overseas, the young Marine was given the opportunity to display his art and made his first real sale as an artist. He had done charity work for Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), was commissioned for various works and had his works presented as mementos to Major Generals on down throughout his 20-year career in the United States Marine Corp.
Living in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife Barbara, Michael’s love for art resurfaced. In December 2022, he retired from HPE allowing him more time to paint as well as providing digitizing and printing services to his fellow local artists. Michael’s artwork has sold and hangs in many parts of the world, including U.S., France, Argentina, and Germany. He started out watching and observing his grandmother paint, turned into a labor of love and pleasure for him, his family, and friends.
Some time ago, Michael was accepted into and attended the San Francisco Academy of Art University Master of Fine Art Figurative Program.
Mike’s Awards:
2022: Palmar Art Winter Show – Blue Ribbon
2021: Palmar Art Color Splash Show – Merit Award
2021: Palmar Art Color Splash Show – Sponser’s Choice Award
2015: Blue ribbon Light Space & Time
2015: Blue ribbon Light Space & Time
2013: Winner and published in North Light Books Strokes of Genius
2013: Winner and published in North Light Books Strokes of Genius Art Journey
2002: Artistic Achievement Award
Mike’s favorite things to paint: Various subjects but portraits would be number one. Mike also likes to work in oil, charcoal & graphite.
Mike’s favorite or most admired artist:
Thomas Nash
Clyde Aspevig
Carl Brenders
Mike’s goals for the next year:
To paint more!
