Our Artists

About Michael

Mr. Ousley was raised in Kansas City, Missouri where his natural talents were encouraged both through elementary school and high school with classes at the Kansas City Art Institute and employment at Hallmark Cards. After graduating high school he relocated to Arizona State University. His studies were placed on hold while serving the United States Navy. While in the US Navy he was fortunate to spend time in Athens, Instanbul, Barcelona, Palma de Majorca, and Tunisia where he was both inspired and educated by the works of the Classic Masters. After retirement he returned to Arizona State University to complete two degrees, then chose to establish his studio in Langlois, Oregon.

Major artistic influences in his life have been Chuck Close, Wayne Thiebaud, Fritz Scholder, and good friend and mentor Earl Linderman aka Doktor Thrill. Artistic elements from expressionism, fauvism, and impressionism have been incorporated into his works. He takes the creative process forces from these inspirations, breaking out of the established patterns to present art in a new light. He uses the color to stimulate and disturb the status quo. This is evident by one of his favorite quotes from Edgar Degas, "Art is really a battle."