Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Monrore.
Hi Michael, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
How does a former nurse anesthetist, and cruise ship musician become a celebrated contemporary artist with two successful galleries in the Naples Art District? Meet Michael Monroe, the painter whose extraordinary life has been defined by dual passions. From painting grand pianos for the Baldwin Corporation to exhibiting nationwide and being named a Top Florida Gallery owner, Monroe’s bold use of color and engaging story prove that creativity knows no professional boundary. >
🎨 Michael Monroe: Artist Bio and History
Michael Monroe Ethridge was born with creative genetics in a small town of 5,000 in rural Arkansas; his mother was an avid artist. Michael was fortunate to inherit these artistic skills from her. So close were their painting styles that even their handwriting was almost identical.
Michael was drawing and painting as a youngster, taking art throughout high school and some courses in college. He always painted canvas art when he could, even while working during the day as a nurse anesthetist. For many years, he specialized in administering children’s anesthetics in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee.
A Career Takes Off
His art career took off after placing some work in a Main Street pizza parlor in Jonesboro and a local beauty salon. His art began selling regularly, and Michael soon found representation in galleries in Little Rock and Memphis. Taking his art to other venues, he was soon represented in galleries in Nashville, Jackson (MS), Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Austin, Texas. Through years of driving to many states seeking representation, he has been able to show his work in galleries across the United States, including Aspen, Palm Desert, Boston, Carmel, Scottsdale, Santa Fe, and Sedona.
He was invited to begin exhibiting on 5th Avenue in Naples, Florida, in 2010 and made it his permanent home in 2013. Since then, he has established two successful galleries in the Naples Art District—Michael Monroe Modern and The Grand Gallery—which currently feature his large-scale contemporary and abstract works.
Notable Achievements
In 2018, Michael was invited to serve as Artist in Residence aboard the prestigious Oceania Cruise Lines, where he taught art, painted, and managed the onboard gallery while traveling through the Caribbean and more than forty countries in Europe.
Another highlight of his career was accepting a commission by the Baldwin Piano Corporation as their sole hand-painting artist for their grand “Artist Series” pianos. He was able to add his fine art touch to the fine grand pianos that Baldwin manufactured. Michael commented that this artwork was a “double passion” for him because he was also an accomplished professional musician, playing piano and entertaining on the Carnival Cruise ships in the late 80s. With this commission, his art and music had literally come together by painting, and then playing, the grand pianos for Baldwin.
In 2024, Florida Guide Magazine recognized Michael Monroe Modern as one of the “Eight Best Galleries in Florida.”
Along with his exceptional painting skills, Michael’s warm and engaging personality continues to inspire collectors to acquire his work. His bold use of color and artistic innovation repeatedly come together to create truly magnificent paintings.
Future Plans
He is currently starting his YouTube channel, @michaelmonroeart2025, where his dream of teaching art to others will take off and continue for years to come.
(I would love to give credit to my ex-wife Lisa, whose marketing and business skills for 30 years were equally as important in launching my career to the level it has attained)
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For me the right brain and Creative side was like a walk a park. But the business side was like being assaulted in the park!! Lol! So thankful my ex-wife Lisa was there to handle the business end of things.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional painter of abstract art.
I paint many different subjects in acrylic paint, focusing on landscapes, seascapes, and pure abstracts. I also hand-paint artistic table tops on glass and wood with beautiful epoxy-resin finishes.
I’m most proud of sustaining a lifelong passion for the creative process and the making of art.
Art is similar to a person’s signature….very personal…. except the art, unlike a signature is three-dimensional, full of colors, and is composed of ideas that are without limit.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My success in the art world has been due to: —The genetics I receive from my mother,
—The opportunities I had to learn and educate myself about art,
—The inspiration and aligning myself with other artists,
—And the passion of wanting to create things that are beautiful and that will enhance other’s lives.
Pricing:
- Originals range from $200-$20,000 Giclee reproductions are half that amount for the same size canvas purchased.
Contact Info:
- Website: MichaelMonroeart.com
- Instagram: @MichaelMonroeart
- Facebook: Michael Monroe Ethridge Art
- Youtube: @MichaelMonroeArt2025
Image Credits
(I would love to give credit to my ex-wife Lisa, whose marketing and business skills were equally as important in launching my career to the level it has attained)
