Meet Mike Kumley

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Kumley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
A common piece of advice is to “wait until you’re ready” before putting yourself out there. In art, you’ll never feel 100% ready. I disagree with waiting, because growth only happens when you start. Listing my work online, applying to shows, and presenting my art to the public—even before I felt “perfectly ready”—has been what pushed me to grow, adapt, and improve faster than if I had waited for the right time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in a love for nature, animals and storytelling. I work primarily in soft pastels and stylized acrylics, which allows me to balance two sides of my creative voice: one focused on realism and atmosphere, and the other on bold, modern interpretations with color and form. What sets me apart is my focus on creating work that carries emotion and story, so each piece feels like more than an image, it feels like a moment you can step into. I create cohesive series, present my work in exhibits, and make it accessible to collectors through prints, originals, and holiday series.

The journey has not been easy. Like many creatives, I’ve faced self-doubt, rising costs, and the challenge of building visibility in a crowded market. But I’ve learned that consistency, professionalism, and authenticity pay off. Every show entered, every art listing created, every piece framed and presented well has been a step forward.

I’m most proud of creating artwork that resonates with people—whether it’s a quiet pastel landscape or a bold acrylic sky—and knowing my work can bring a sense of stillness or joy into someone’s life.

My goal is for people to not just see a painting, but to feel a connection to place, season, and memory. At the end of the day, I want the world to know that my art is about slowing down, take the time to notice beauty in both the still and fleeting moments, and carrying that sense of connection home.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d want to show them a mix of Texas flavor, nature, and art. We’d start with some great food—barbecue at Pecan Lodge in Dallas and Tex-Mex at a local favorite like Mi Cocina. Babe’s Chicken would be a must. From there, I’d take them to the Dallas Arts District to explore the museums and galleries, and then spend an afternoon wandering Bishop Arts for its creative energy, coffee shops, and local shops.

We’d take a day trip to Fort Worth to see the Kimbell Art Museum and enjoy the stockyards for a little taste of Texas history. Another day would be outdoors—maybe walking White Rock Lake or hiking a nearby trail, followed by live music at a local spot in Deep Ellum.

Throughout the week, we’d balance mornings exploring local farmers’ markets or small cafés with evenings enjoying good food, live art, and conversation. By the end of the trip, they’d leave with a taste of Texas flavor, a camera roll of memories, and a sense of the creative and cultural heartbeat of this part of Texas.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“I want to give a huge shoutout to my family and close friends who have always supported my art journey. Their encouragement, patience, and belief in me have pushed me to keep going, even when starting a business felt overwhelming. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders, and I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Website: https://MikeKumleyArt.com

Other: https://MikeKumleyArt.etsy.com