Michael Enriquez

       Michael Enriquez was born in Los Angeles, California. Growing up on the then rural Palos Verdes Peninsula, he developed an appreciation for the outdoor at an early age. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in college with the intention of becoming a veterinarian, only to find that he was spending the majority of his time drawing rather than the required studies. Applying to the Laguna Beach School of Art, he entered having been awarded a full scholarship. It was here that he received his first formal art training, and was first introduced to painting outdoors on location, which opened a whole new world to him.During his studies in Laguna, he met his wife to be, Kim. They soon married, and needing a source of income, he took a job working on a commercial fishing boat. The demands of being a commercial fisherman, and the irregular time schedule forced him to put his art studies on hold.

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        Buying his own fishing boat, Michael fished up and down the California coast. For the next twenty-plus years he developed a bond with nature, as he depended on it to not only feed his family, but to assure him safe return to port after every trip. After his family was raised, he was able to sell his fishing boat, and resume his studies in art. He enrolled at the California Art Institute, where he received intense studies in drawing. The desire for a good traditional foundation  led him to apply to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, where he was awarded a scholarship. His studies at the Academy and resources of the nearby museums  proved to be an invaluable experience. Returning to California, he continued his studies in workshops with some of the best artists teaching at the time. In  2001, he was juried in as an Artist Member of the California Art Club and in 2002, he was invited to be a member of the Oak Group.