Michael Coleman

Michael Coleman biography:

Michael Coleman was born and raised in Provo, Utah, where he spent his boyhood hunting, fishing, and trapping throughout the Rocky Mountains—often carrying a sketchbook with him. From an early age, he committed to a career in art and later traveled extensively in search of subject matter.

Coleman quickly rose to prominence as a Southwestern artist. In 1978, at the age of 32, he was honored with his first retrospective at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. He went on to exhibit at the National Academy of Western Art and at Kennedy Galleries in New York. In 1999, he received the prestigious Prix de West Award at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame for his bronze sculpture of a moose titled September, a work that was subsequently added to the museum’s permanent collection.

Working primarily in oil on board and gouache, Coleman has also produced notable bronze sculptures. His artistic style is deeply influenced by the 19th-century masters of the Hudson River School—including Henry Farny, Thomas Moran, and George Inness—as well as the renowned 20th-century wildlife painter Carl Rungius.

Coleman’s paintings are distinguished by their rich detail and subdued tonal palette, reflecting the remote and often untamed landscapes he depicts. His portrayals of Native American encampments, wildlife, and hunting scenes evoke a sense of timelessness, offering viewers the impression of looking into the past.

He is especially drawn to the dusky grays and muted atmospheres of fall and early winter, seasons that feature prominently in his work. Known for his masterful use of color and detail, Coleman blends realism with atmospheric effects, often depicting animals at their peak within autumnal settings. His compositions consistently convey a harmonious balance between artist, animal, and the natural world.

Coleman’s work is held in numerous distinguished private and public collections, including those of Clint Eastwood, Ian Cumming, John Huntsman, Stan Kamen, President George H. W. Bush, and Vice President Dick Cheney. His work is also represented in institutions such as the Corning Museum, the Anschutz Collection, the National Wildlife Art Museum, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, the Canadian Embassy, and the National Museum of Dubai.

Available paintings:

“Black Bear Family”
Michael Coleman
Oil   36″ x 48″
$32,000

See additional information about “Black Bear Family”.

“Waterfall”
Michael Coleman
Oil   16″ x 12″
$7,500

See additional information about “Waterfall”.

“Buffalo Days”
Michael Coleman
Oil   22″ x 32″
$20,000

See additional information about “Buffalo Days”.

“Tibble Fork Falls”
Michael Coleman
Oil   16″ x 12″
$7,500

See additional information about “Tibble Fork Falls”.

Do you have a Michael Coleman painting or sculpture you would like to sell? We have clients interested in adding his artwork to their collections. Call us 602-730-2451 or email us sales@artzline.com.