Michael Boudreault is a decorative artist with over twelve years of extensive experience in the field. He graduated cum laude in 1991 from Florida State University with a Bachelors in Art Education. His concentration was in painting and ceramics. Michael taught art in the public school system for four years grades 7-9 and in 1995 was nominated for Teacher of the Year by his peers. Michael began supplementing his teaching income working nights and weekends doing faux finishing, portrait painting and murals. In the summer of 1995, Michael took twelve of his art students to Italy for the ultimate field trip. It was there that he fell in love with the work of the decorative artisans surrounding him. "I had never before seen such true craftsmanship and convincing trompe l'oeil. I wanted to bring that level of craftsmanship back to my work here in the states." Michael formed Boudreault Studios in 1996 and quit teaching public school the following year.

Michael's love of painted ornament was infectious and he began to hire talented artists and interview college interns as a way to keep up with the demands of multiple designers seeking his commissions. He wanted to educate people that the work of a true Atelier was no less significant and price worthy than that of the "fine artist". "In fact, a decorative artist combines all the aspects of fine art with that of decor, architecture and design." Over the years Michael has had the privilege to work with many talented artists who have learned the trade from him and gone on to start their own companies. He has also worked with some of the greatest Interior Designers in the business and traveled all over the United States as well as being published in numerous magazines and newspapers. Michael's artwork was also featured in a 157' super yacht that was awarded Rob Reports "Best of the Best" in 2005. He has since worked in another yacht, the impressive 161' Lohengrin, that will be published next month in one of the leading yacht magazines. The designer that commissioned Michael has asked him to sign a contract to produce decorative panels for a third yacht next year. "The artisanal beauty on these yachts is unbelievable, I'm honored to have my work included in these floating palaces".

Michael continues to do commissions and decorative painting, but his career is coming full circle again with his return to the classroom. Michael will be teaching his unique approach to decorative artistry at the Columbus College of Art and Design and is looking forward to finding more talented artists and sharing what he has learned over the years. He is currently being featured as a stage presenter at the Central Ohio's Home and Garden Show, due to the great reception he received after his presentation last year at the Fall show.

Michael enjoys giving back to the community when he can, and is currently working on designs for murals in a local school cafeteria and in a hallway at a school for special needs students which was brought to his attention through his affiliation with the organization Artists Helping Children. Michael has been married for over fifteen years and has two children who both share his love of art and all things messy.

Email Michael at: michael@boudreaultstudios.com