"Blue" - From the 2024 Derby Collection Painting

Nate Michaels was born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota, where he developed a passion for the arts from a young age. Drawing was a constant companion throughout his childhood, and by high school, Nate became deeply immersed in his creative journey. He took every available art class, often coming in early and staying late to study under his instructor, Mr. John Harder, who became his first example of a working artist. After high school, Nate took a brief hiatus from visual arts to explore other paths, including a stint in music. However, in 2007, with the birth of his first child, he returned to painting. By 2009, following the birth of his second child, art had become more than a hobby—it evolved into a part-time venture. Nate began creating ink pen portraits for friends and family and later experimented with watercolors and India ink to create more dynamic, dramatic effects in his work. In 2015, Nate relocated from Superior, Wisconsin, to Louisville, Kentucky, where he took the leap into full-time artistry. Using Louisville as his home base, he traveled across the country, showcasing his artwork at comic conventions and art fairs. His distinct style—combining expressive colors with pop culture themes—quickly gained recognition within the art community. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought live events to a halt in 2020, Nate shifted his focus to commissioned pieces for individual collectors and businesses. During this time, he expanded his portfolio to include large-scale acrylic paintings, and his Sharpie marker drawings quickly became his most popular commissioned work. In 2021, Nate moved to the tranquil Lake Cumberland area of Kentucky, where he continues to create commissioned art for collectors nationwide. In 2024, Nate was featured in several publications, including Kentucky Monthly Magazine, where he was highlighted in their 2024-2025 Gift Guide. The magazine noted, “Artist Nate Michaels of Bronston (Pulaski County) creates portraits that resonate with raw emotion and introspection. Using bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and exaggerated features, his approach truly captures the subject, whether it is a celebrity, a fictional character, or a family portrait.” Nate’s work speaks for itself, as reflected in his clients’ testimonials. One recent review reads: “Nate is such a talented artist and kind human. He was extremely professional and easy to work with throughout the whole process—very personable.