- Me, my family, & life and ecology at high, (& low,) temperatures in Yellowstone National Park.
I was born in Colorado in 1949 and moved to Montana in 1972, (after college and some gallivanting around.). My guiding career started in 1973 when I began guiding hunting trips and I became licensed as an outfitter in 1978.
I have been guiding in Yellowstone National Park for over 25 years. My tours of Yellowstone include: guided hiking trips, skiing trips, photo safaris, and snow coach excursions. The rhythms of the park dictate much of what is sought and encountered on these trips.
In 1976 I started painting as a means to capture the serene and exciting subjects of my adopted state of Montana. Yellowstone Park draws me into it even on my days off. The wonder of life in a seething volcano continues to hold me in it's spell. The adaptability of all life in this strange environment is a source of constant amazement.
From the birds and fish and mammals that survive, and even thrive in our -50 degree winters to the thermophiles that exist in the +175 degree steam and water, this is a fascinating place.
I live near West Yellowstone, Montana with my wife Liz. We have four sons, all have become artists as well. Many of our family gatherings start with a quick visit to Yellowstone. It's in our backyard and it has nurtured all of us.
Because of the demand I have started selling prints of my paintings. They can be found at: MIKE'S WORK.