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

Hi Michael, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My whole life, I always knew that art would be be my final career. With a previous 20+ year advertising, design and marketing career behind me, I knew those skills would serve me well vaulting forward my art career and the opening of the largest Art Gallery in Palm Springs. With sound business skills, including, Social Media marketing, Web Building and Graphic Design, I have been able to focus that much more on the Art Creation journey that now propels me forward with terrific speed. Though, I always felt that I would be a successful artist (I have an Art Degree and Graphic Communications Degree), I really had no idea that I would be this successful and, I must admit am kind of in awe of the 140+ abstract geometric paintings that I have created so far. It’s very exciting.

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.
At 53, I decided to go all-in and become a professional fine artist But where to start? Well, from the before, before I’ve been madly in love with graphic design and I am lucky enough to be born during the incredible mid-century modern period, so I’ve been swimming in inspiration my whole life. Moving to Palm Springs, then, was a natural artistic epicenter for my work to have a chance at becoming noticed and hopefully appreciated.

What I found in Palm Springs was not only an endless well of artistic inspiration, but also a supportive community that took me in from the beginning and wrapped their arms around me. I feel beyond loved here and sell about 70% of my work locally. The wonderful thing is that most of my work never really “leaves” me as I get to visit most of the work in the gorgeous homes of many friends. I’m truly a fortunate guy.

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.
Wow, this is a great question! I do love this city so much and give this info out on the regular.

Begin the day at Koffi and take your Latte up to the top of the Tram and do a morning hike in the 30 degree cooler weather, mell the forest and get your sweat on.

Back in the city after the hike, find a gorgeous pool and get your drink on while you enjoy the snow topped mountains all around you (even into May!). Get a little tan pool side, have another drink, have mad/great converstaions with friends and enjoy the sun and the camaraderie.

Finish the evening at Mr. Lyons steakhouse in the bar/lounge and chill out in the darkened room while you enjoy their happy-hour red and delicious noshes. The Best!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes out to my husband, Dana. He and I made a plan to move out to Palm Springs 6 years ago and he fully encouraged me to pursue my art career, wholeheartedly. With the resources to allow me to focus solely on my advancing my art career, the patronage of my main man gave me the time to develop my craft and become the artist that I am today. Thank you Dana, love you very much.

Website: https://bigmikeart.com

Instagram: BigMikeArtPS

Facebook: BigMikeArt

Yelp: BigMikeArt

Image Credits
All by Mike Arnone

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