Michael Burton, a Chicago native, realized his passion for art at the age of 4. His late father Michael Burton Sr. fueled his interest and inspiration in the basement of their home. He didn’t take his calling for art seriously until he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease, during his senior year at Thornton Township High School. Unable to work or finish school, Michael began to re-focus on drawing and painting.
His formal training in art began at Olive-Harvey Junior College, where he worked with mentor and teacher, Stella Mills. Under the direction of Ms. Mills, Michael embarked upon a professional art career. Soon after his studies at Olive Harvey Junior College, he attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago to study figure drawing, design, and illustration. During his study at the Academy, Michael began to develop excellent drawing skills which expanded all traditional mediums encompassing pencil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, and charcoal. During his attendance at the Academy he met several renowned artists including Alex Ross, an artist for Marvel & DC comics. Mr. Ross recruited Michael to model as a character for “Batman War on Crime” Comic Book.
Today, Michael has mastered the latest techniques of digital design and drawing which he incorporates into innovative fashion and apparel designs. His work has been featured in Chicago Public Schools and Illinois High School Association Athletic Tournaments. Furthermore, he designed sports apparel for the Chicago Bears team member Brian Urlacher. He also designed the logo for the PHIT organization’s youth camp program. Expanding even further, Michael has designed graphics and T-shirts for large church organizations such as Christ Universal Temple & Trinity. Recently he was named the Chicago Artist to watch from CAC Chicago Artists Coalition, a local organization for working artists in Chicago. His work has been featured in many print publications including The Citizens Community Newspaper. Upscale Magazine, Open Mic Magazine, and Beyond It All Magazine. Additionally, his work has appeared on ABC Chicago Channel 7 and WGN Chicago Channel 9.
Currently Michael is working on the second edition of his memoir that he wrote, illustrated and published, Let Me Paint A Picture: My Life, Growth, and Testimony. The book has given the artist an even bigger picture about his career and life. Realizing another side of him that loves writing poetry and heavily conscious lyrics; he began performing and reciting poetry in underground café’s and venues. The book has given him opportunities to reach people, primarily the urban youth. Encouraging and demonstrating the importance of reading and writing, and using their imagination to shape their lives. His mission is to display the value of the visual arts, inspiration, self help and capture the voice of the urban arts community.
