Location: United States
Michael studied art during college with courses in photography,
drawing, oil painting, 3D designs, advanced painting, art history, ceramics,
and introductory architecture. However, he
found his first profession in designing & developing computer systems, then
in technology sales & marketing, and finally with mergers &
acquisitions as a Chief Financial Officer of technology companies.
He continued
his photography work while travelling the world and captured images in the Mediterranean,
Caribbean, Europe, Greek Islands, and around the United States. Upon the sale of his most recent company in
2022, he started developing more artistic images of his favorite subjects
including beaches, boats, islands, waterfalls, celebrities, marinas,
cityscapes, interesting skies, entertaining structures, wildlife, and digital
surrealism.
He now uses his computer knowledge and digital tools to
create interesting surrealistic and interpretive reality images to challenge
the viewers' minds. Many of his images include the Artist hidden as the ViewFinder,
sometimes disguised as a pirate, a reflection, or other characters.
Michael currently limits his signed limited-edition image sales
to 250 copies before retiring them. His target markets are professional office
spaces, conference facilities, restaurants, hotels, galleries, institutions, and
professional collectors.
He and his artwork have been highlighted in publications
such as USA Today, LA Weekly, and Reuters. His artwork was chosen in 2025 by
the Governor for display in the Georgia State Capitol Building Gallery.
Michael earned his MBA from George Mason University (GMU) and
is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
He currently teaches part-time online business courses for Southern New
Hampshire University (SNHU) and is a Board Member for several Art and
Technology organizations.
Please feel free to contact him via email
Michael@ViewFinderArts.com
View his artwork at www.ViewFinderArts.com or
www.MichaelVanPatten.Art
Interpretive images from various photographic sources using a unique perspective, filtering and colorization. A dose of reality with innovative interpretation with some digital imbellishments for the simulating the imagination.
Reality photos taken from a beach on Cozumel, Mexico digitally rearranged, colorized, cropped and enhanced for a fun interesting image to enjoy and share with others. This image captures a surreal, festive beach scene infused with Mexican folk art. Vibrant sculptures of a fantastical dog-like alebrije, and a dragon-like figure with bat wings and curled horns are displayed on a sunny beach. A jet ski and a kayak rest on the sand near the water, suggesting beachside adventures. Overhead, a large, colorful parrot soars through the clear blue sky and two margarita glasses rimmed with green salt add a celebratory touch. The ViewFinder is watching.
Using Digital Creations, Photography, Arificial Intelligence & Digital Tools to create innovation & imaginative surrealistic images for interesting stimulation of thought and conversations.
Animated pickles and people are energetically playing pickleball on multiple courts. The setting is colorful and lively, with each character wearing sport attire. The younger pickles in the foreground are learning to avoid playing in the kitchen. The ViewFinder is watching.
“Cozumel Beach Abstractions”
“Pickles Playing Pickleball”
