Michael was born in Shanghai, China in 1937. He immigrated to Taiwan in 1948 during the Communist takeover of China. Michael continued with his schooling and graduated from Taiwan Normal University in 1958. From there he became a teacher and taught high school for 10 years.

In 1972, seeking a better life for his wife and son, he moved to the U.S., settling in Monterey Park, CA. Three years later, Michael established a small wholesale company, importing sporting goods from Taiwan. Along with his wife, Joanna, he built the company into a great success. Michael retired in 2003 and left the company to his son.

Seeking a quieter, slower-paced lifestyle, he moved to Medford, OR, where Joanna's sister and brother-in-law live. They fell in love with the people, the weather, and the artistic community of the Rogue Valley. Newly inspired, Michael decided to pick up a new hobby - watercolor painting. Throughout his long, illustrious life, Michael had never focused on artistic endeavors, much less pick up a paintbrush. In retirement though, he discovered an untapped skill. Learning mostly from books and TV shows he just started painting. His paintings quickly became a hit with family and friends, who urged him to continue developing and growing as an artist. Michael began taking formal classes with Dodie Hamilton, who has helped refine his craft.

Michael's paintings reflect the varied and unique life he has lived. He draws inspiration from travels in China and Taiwan. Much of his work is influenced by traditional Chinese watercolor and calligraphy. Moved by nature and the great outdoors, Michael paints idyllic settings of his surroundings in Medford, as well as places that have inspired him throughout the world.