Born & raised in Kansas (where interests in painting and nature were evident early, encouraged by family, friends, and teachers.) Attended New Mexico State University, (BSEE degree, but continued painting, inspired by the desert & mountains). Lived in Los Angeles (tech consultant) before moving to Mesquite, TX, near Dallas. Obtained MBA and held corporate staff jobs, then switched to art full time. Started Michael Cross Gallery in 2000. Since 2018, operating Michael Cross Gallery Online. "Abstract paintings start conversations, sometimes actual, but many times imagined conversations where the artist and viewer exchange ideas and feelings about the work. Creating abstract work lets me combine my ideas, feelings, and life experiences into images beyond any specific place or thing. That also lets each viewer have a personal connection to the work using their own unique life experiences. In that way, art is a very open form of communication."-Michael Cross, 2025