About Michael Teel

Michael Teel is an award-winning artist residing in West Virginia. His focus is on oil and multimedia paintings. The majority of his output is focused on the human element of living in Appalachia.

​He has worked as a graphic designer for 34 years for several small Advertising and Design firms and a Fortune 500 company in the Washington, DC area. He is currently the owner of Teel Design Group, a print and digital design firm offering print/logo design, web design/development, and digital marketing with a focus on businesses, associations, and nonprofit organizations.

Artist Statement

My work centers on exploring the social themes that shape day-to-day life in Appalachia, a region defined by the coexistence of warm, friendly communities and pervasive poverty. Through visual storytelling, I draw upon history, personal experiences, and events I have encountered, weaving narratives that reflect how our environment influences the way we live. By embedding these themes into my art, I aim to create a connection with the viewer, inviting them to engage with the complexities of this unique region.

When selecting subject matter, I rely on memories, observed situations, and family history, building stories that resonate on both personal and communal levels. I am drawn to scenes that allow me to tell these stories visually, using imagery that transports the viewer into the world I have constructed. My inspiration comes from the everyday life and unique imagery of Appalachia, focusing on symbols and color choices that encourage reflection on the deeper meaning behind each work.

Technically, I work exclusively in oil on canvas. I develop compositions grounded in the traditional structures that have been employed throughout art history while experimenting with diverse color palettes to evoke emotion. The interplay of composition and color is central to my approach, giving my work a distinctive emotional depth that supports the storytelling at its core.