Michael Baum

I’ve been exploring the West more than 40 years and barely scratched the surface. I’ve been painting it almost as long and feel like I’m just getting started. Its immense beauty goes beyond the visual and digs deep into the soul. Getting to that essence is the challenge of a lifetime. Plus, it's just great fun.

I work out of my studio and home in Manitou Springs, Colorado, and enjoy getting out and painting on site whenever I can.

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, but my real education began when I came to Colorado."

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1950, my first home was a trailer traveling from Oklahoma to Ohio, where my family settled. I was always drawing or painting (dinosaurs mainly).

My first home

Most years, we would take driving vacations to Florida or Michigan, or go camping at the local parks. These experiences are among my fondest memories and set the course my life would take.

In the late 1960s and early 70s, I attended Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, studying psychology, anthropology, and fine art. In 1973 I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

I came to the West over 40 years ago, drawn by its spectacular landscapes. I pursued the landscape in art through a variety of styles and media, now working exclusively in oil.

Michael Baum specializes in contemporary representational paintings of the western and southwestern landscape. He is represented in many private, corporate, and public collections nationally and internationally.

Michael lives, works and enjoys life in Manitou Springs, Colorado.

Selected Recent Exhibitions

•Governor's Art Show, Colorado: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 (Merit Award)

•Oil Painters of America National Exhibition: 2013, 2016, 2017

•Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition: 2013, 2016

•Manitou Galleries
Numerous shows 2017 to present