About Michael

  • Michael Diniz Swingler is a Brazilian-American artist born in California and based in Texas.

    He participated in his first art show at the age of fourteen, and by eighteen was awarded a small scholarship from the Niguel Art Association which spurred him to enroll at The Art Institute of Southern California. He participated in local exhibitions whenever possible while working a variety of day jobs, usually as a graphic designer.

    In his late twenties, he moved his young family to Colombia and resided there until his late thirties. He continued to paint and exhibit whenever possible while earning a living as a teacher. It was during this phase that he began online studies with the Academy of Art University. Upon returning to the United States, he completed his undergraduate degree and joined the Ventura Artists Union as one of its most active members until the quarantine of 2020.

  • Michael is inspired by Baroque, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Tessellation, and Calligraphy.

    His work is rooted in realistic representation, detouring into various abstractions. He uses classical oil painting techniques on canvas or panel and often pulls ideas from his sketchbook wanderings and academic re-workings. He rarely begins with a specific plan, so his processes vary. Live models and photographic references are used. His brushwork tends to be refined and premeditated, even when trying to work loosely or spontaneously. Finally, an artwork will usually not be considered as "completed" until it has been varnished and framed.

    Michael paints for himself. Although he sincerely wants the audience to enjoy his work, he does not have a specific message to convey and prefers that each person decide for themselves, as it makes for a richer and more enlightening conversation.

  • Incubadora - This compendium of 17 drawings and paintings precede Michael’s coursework at the Academy of Art University. Varying in media and scale, the pivotal artworks depict humanoid figures set into graphic-laden backgrounds made by use of voluntary and involuntary techniques. Artworks are completed, although some still require framing. Of the series: 7 are in private collections, 1 is in a museum collection, 1 was stolen, 2 have been damaged, 3 require framing, and 3 are available for purchase.

    Academia - This body of over 50 drawings and paintings in charcoal and oils are a sample of Michael’s training at the Academy of Art University. The majority of these intimately scaled works depict freehand renderings of figurative and still life studies using classical techniques. Of the series: more than half of the series is pending frames and photo documentation, 8 have been sold into private collections, and 8 are currently available for purchase.

    Topografica - These intimately-sized oil paintings depict Michael’s ongoing relationship with rendering landscapes and cityscapes en plein air and alla prima. Of the series: 1 has been sold into a private collection and 1 is kept by the artist, with the remaining 20-something artworks pending frames and photo documentation.

    Modificada - A collection of academic and earlier pieces that have been re-worked as to better align with Michael’s current stylistic preferences. This series of over 80 paintings is in its final stages of production and nearing completion.

    Commissions - More than just pretty pictures, these are custom paintings for private collectors. Unique works of fine art that will become heirlooms and inherited as cherished historical items. Currently accepting commissions.

  • 2008
    Incubadora Surrealista
    Museo Internacional Comfamiliar
    Barranquilla, Colombia

    1994
    Palos Pulpos Pinturas
    Galerie Alliance Française
    Barranquilla, Colombia

  • 2020
    Cells | Art in Isolation
    VAU Online Gallery
    Ventura, California

    2020
    Eros Unbound
    Art City Gallery
    Ventura, California

    2019
    It’s Like Fall
    Art City Gallery
    Ventura, California

    2019
    DNA
    Art City Gallery
    Ventura, California

    2019
    It’s Beltane, Baby!
    Art City Gallery
    Ventura, California

    2019
    Nature 101
    Art City Gallery
    Ventura, California

    2017
    22nd Annual Alumni Fine Art Auction
    The Cannery
    San Francisco, California

    2012
    11th Annual National Arts Exhibit
    Government Center Atrium Gallery
    Ventura, California

    2011
    10th Annual National Arts Exhibit
    Government Center Atrium Gallery
    Ventura, California

    2007
    Ejercicios Artísticos
    Galería Distrital
    Barranquilla, Colombia

    1996
    On Display
    Na Na
    Santa Monica, California

    1994
    Outstanding Room Only
    Northlight Gallery
    Los Angeles, California

    1991
    Sixth Annual Student Exhibition
    Muriel Reynolds Gallery
    Laguna Beach, California

    1990
    Imagination Celebration
    Mission Viejo Mall
    Mission Viejo, California

    1990
    Color It Orange
    Ettinger Gallery
    Laguna Beach, California

    1990
    Youth Expo
    Orange County Fairgrounds
    Costa Mesa, California

    1990
    Let’s Face It!
    IVC Gallery Hall
    Irvine, California

    1986
    Tri-Cities
    The USC Atelier
    Santa Monica, California

  • 2012
    Second Place, Juried Exhibition
    The National Arts Program
    Ventura County, California

    1990
    First Place, Juried Exhibition
    The Niguel Art Association
    Dana Point, California

  • 2018
    My Weightlifting Coloring Book
    Rojas, Ivan (Author) / Swingler, Michael (Illustrator)
    ISBN 978-1-943650-91-0 - Risto Sports LLC, 2018
    Cocoa, FL

    2008
    A las 11 con Ernesto
    McCausland, Ernesto - TeleCaribe Live, 07/13/2008
    Barranquilla, Colombia

    1997
    Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
    Walt Disney Television - ABC and Storyline Entertainment, 1997
    Burbank, California

    1994
    Artist EU Expone en Alianza Francesa
    El Heraldo - Edition 12/01/1994, Page 8C
    Barranquilla, Colombia

  • Artist
    Swingler Art Studio
    Spring, Texas

    Graphic Designer
    Ventura Artists’ Union
    Ventura, California

    Senior Graphic Designer
    EmployBridge
    Atlanta, Georgia (Remote from California)

    Teacher
    IBO World Schools
    Colombia

    Graphic Designer
    Move, Inc.
    Westlake Village, California

    Teacher
    California State University
    Long Beach, California

    3D Artist
    Digital Magic Effect House, Ltd.
    Santa Monica, California

  • "I hired Michael as an illustrator and he did a great job, listening to my ideas and delivering consistent feedback as he developed the images. He was professional, asked helpful questions, communicated in an effective and friendly manner, and delivered fully completed results on time. We agreed on cost-per-image pricing, paying him an upfront 50% deposit with the second half being paid upon receipt of the final images. I highly recommend him for any illustration work and would gladly collaborate with him again. His dedication, skill, and professionalism make him an outstanding choice for any project."

    — Melissa Ruble, Resident Chef, Frankfurt Consul General

    “Michael is an outstanding professional artist! Even though my sample was not in good condition, he created a fantastic painting; close to reality. Thank you again for creating this amazing painting for us!” 


    — Victor Sazo, Lens Designer, Opti-Max

    “‘Super-talented and efficient’ is what first comes to mind when I think about Michael. He was my go-to person time and time again, because he's reliable and he's able to integrate well in multiple situations.  Basically, he gets it done. It's rare to find someone who has the incredible artistic talent and the equal ability to manage projects as he does; combined with a strong sense of professionalism and accountability. I accomplished the goals I set forth for the Ventura Artists' Union because of Michael's contributions as a designer and project manager. One last thing, he's a great storyteller that often had us laughing and wondering what's next.
“

    — Jason Brock, Vice President, Ventura Artists’ Union

    “I commissioned Michael to paint a very special painting for me. I sent him several pictures of the parts of the painting I wanted – a particular tree, one with my face that I wanted, but another with the hairdo I wanted. It was hard for me to ask him to paint it, because it’s related to a big CPTSD trigger which I had recently overcome after many decades of it being problematic. He was so thoughtful in how he asked the questions he needed me to answer for him to do the painting the way I wanted it. His sensitivity was so comprehensive that it actually surprised me, as it was much more than I expected. I am pleased and comforted by this deeply meaningful painting, and recommend him highly.
“

    — Barbara Langston, Retired, Mountain Flower Enterprises

    “Michael has immense talent. It was a pleasure working on various types of design projects with great brainstorming sessions on the really complicated ones. More importantly, his attitude was positive, never afraid to ask questions, and managed his time well. He always met the deadlines and would notify me asap if there were any issues. Any company would be lucky to have him on their team.”

    — Megan-Claire Chase, Media and Marketing Manager

    “Those were the days. I enjoyed working with Michael at Homestore. He has always been one of the BEST at what he does. The GO-TO person, very detail-oriented, calm, smart, very easy to talk to and always open to any ideas.”

    — Tony (Juan) Rivera, Mobile Application Engineer, Tesla Motors

    “I really enjoyed working with Michael on projects. He was always completely open to any ideas and worked quickly in time sensitive situations to come up with design solutions to difficult situations where businesses and services were constantly being added to our website.
“

    — Kim Galbraith, Yoga Coach, Workplace Wellness Yoga

    “Michael is an excellent professional, showing creativity and confidence in his work. Specifically, he has designed for us a variety of brochures, annual greeting cards, and presentation packets for conventions. He was also a responsible backdrop designer and painter for the theatrical presentation, ‘El Cuarto Rey Mago.’ He is an excellent person with solid principles and a distinguished professional that is constantly progressing.”

    — Julio Eduardo Chumbita, Director, Colegio Gustavo Becquer