Michael Petringa

Michael graduated from New England School of Art and Design, Boston, MA, majoring in advertising with a minor in painting.  He was hired by a major corporation in Lexington, MA where he became head of the art department.  He remained in that capacity for another 3 years when he realized his destiny lie elsewhere, namely Florence, Italy.  With a burning passion to paint full time he decided to give up his corporate job, sell his BMW  and set off for Italy.
That one year turned into 5 with another 10 years equally divided between Munich, Germany and London, England.  In Florence Michael attended La Scuola di Bell`Arte, taught drawing and painting and for his last 2 years was the primary graphic designer for an advertising agency. 

In Munich he also taught drawing and painting in the local schools (Volkshochschule), continued his painting and was partner in a downtown shop for which he painted decorative objects.  In those early years following graduation Michael painted primarily realism and impressionism.  With a never ending desire for new ways of expressing himself, Michael discovered abstraction and expressionism while in Europe, also mastering various mediums.

During his first two years in London Michael was introduced to the art of faux painting , which was having a kind of Renaissance at that time.  Intrigued by the various techniques but mostly the end results he immersed himself in the process.  To his surprise it was a natural extension of his artistic ability.  After much practice Michael felt confident enough to add this to his creative repertoire.

Following his 15 year European sojourn Michael returned to the U.S. permanently, with emphasis on painting, exhibiting and teaching.  During this period he began building a flourishing decorative arts business, which eventually became a full time job.  This left  very little time to paint canvasses on a regular basis.  After 14 years of establishing his business and building a clientele Michael now finds himself in a position where he can balance both his decorative and fine arts businesses. His works can be found in private and corporate collections here and abroad.  Michael also accepts commissions and will work closely with his clients to achieve the desired results.

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