Michael C. Hayes is a classically trained oil painter and charcoal draftsman. After studying at the prestigious Watts Atelier of the Arts, he began his career as a professional artist in 2008. He now works as a freelance illustrator, gallery painter and artist-entrepreneur.  

Michael seeks to create artwork that is undeniably beautiful, emotionally impactful and hints at just enough of a story to elicit a personal narrative in the mind of the viewer.  To this end, he has received numerous awards and nominations from the Art Renewal Center, Oil Painters of America, Spectrum Fantastic Art, Infected by Art and the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists. His paintings have hung in collections, galleries and museums all over the world.

Michael was born in Canada, spent much of his life in California and is now residing in upstate South Carolina.