Fine Western Art Collections
West Lives On Gallery

Growing up in Northern Utah, Michael Romney was exposed to the beautiful scenes and animals of the Rocky Mountains. As a young boy, Michael would draw and paint, fantasizing that someday he could become an artist that could capture the wildlife and landscape of the mountains. At a young age artist such as Phillip Goodwin, Bob Kuhn, and Leon Parson inspired him. Michael’s fantasy became more of a reality when he started his education at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. While attending Ricks College, Michael studied under one of his childhood inspirations, Leon Parson, and graduated with a degree in illustration.

Michael went on to study the traditional principles and ideas of the Renaissance masters at The Lyme Academy College of Fine Art in Old Lyme, Connecticut. While living in Connecticut, Michael was in close proximity to many respected museums. During this time, he was introduced to and influenced by numerous artists including American Impressionist painters Willard Metcalf and William Merritt Chase. Michael says, "Having the ability to look at and study the masters up close and personal on a daily basis was a priceless education which helped mold my style and philosophy." In the fall of 2004, Michael returned to the west to incorporate his education and return his focus to his first love, the western and wildlife genre.

Michael’s paintings have earned him recognition’s such as the Raymond Kinstler Award at the 28^th National Arts Club Annual Show and the 2004 "Excellence in Painting" award from the Lyme Academy College of Fine Art. Michael currently resides in the Gentile Valley of Idaho.