Born in 1950 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised in the small town of Tipp City, Ohio, Michael Baum's early years were shaped by a life on the road. His first home was a travel trailer journeying across America's heartland, fostering a deep love for the landscape and natural world. This itinerant beginning has profoundly influenced his lifelong journey as an artist. Baum pursued formal education in fine art and anthropology at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1974. However, he considers experience his greatest teacher. In 1977, Baum relocated to the Colorado Springs area, where he began exploring Western regional themes across various media and genres. For over 30 years, Baum has been dedicated to capturing the beauty of the West in his art, focusing on the interplay of light and landscape. His studio and plein air oil paintings delve into the essence of the Western and Southwestern terrains, revealing the profound connection between the artist and his environment. Baum's work transcends mere visual representation, touching the soul and reflecting his deep sense of place and identity. Since 1993, Baum has been working as a full-time artist from his studio and home in Manitou Springs, Colorado. He continues to embark on journeys, both physical and artistic, painting the landscapes that have defined his life's journey. Through his art, Baum invites viewers to share in the timeless beauty and spirit of the Western landscapes he so passionately portrays.