Mike has spent his life on the water, most of it with a fishing rod in hand. He grew up in South Florida where he could be found fishing from the beaches or piers, in canals and Intracoastal, off shore or in the Bahamas.  

After graduating from UF, he became a USCG Licensed Boat Captain, and spent the next 30 plus years running and maintaining private pleasure and tournament sport fishing boats from Cape Cod to San Salvador and all over the Gulf of Mexico. He painted marine life off and on over the years for family and friends or to donate as awards for fishing tournaments, and in 2017 he let his hidden artistic talent out of the fish box for everyone to enjoy! He is now fulfilling his life long desire to paint professionally, and has created dozens of “Fitz Originals”, some complimented by his own unique handcrafted wooden frames. In vibrant colors, his self taught and evolving style depicts the beauty and energy of sea life. Mike’s enthusiasm is infectious, and his paintings reflect his great love for both painting and the underwater life in the sea.

As a member of the ‘Butterfield Garage Gallery’ his paintings are always on display.  More of his artwork is also featured at ‘Rembrantz Local Art & Gifts’, ‘Seaside Furniture & Decor’, ‘Old City House Inn and Restaurant’, ‘Manatee Cafe’ and ‘Small Indulgences European Day Spa & Salon’.  He has also shown his artwork for wine tasting events at ‘Wine Warehouse’ and ‘PRP Wine International’ in Jacksonville and at ‘Carrera Wine Cellar’ and ‘Tim’s Wine Market’ in St. Augustine.  And he was also a featured artist at the ‘Lightner After Hours Holiday Market’ where he offered his artwork as a fundraiser to support the ‘Lightner Museum’.