MICHAEL MCWILLIE

Michael McWillie was born in Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BFA in Studio Art. He did his post-graduate work at UCLA Extension in Filmmaking and began his career as an Art Director in Los Angeles. There, McWillie designed graphics for motion picture studios and television networks including CBS, Columbia Pictures, and the Walt Disney Company. He is famously noted for designing the newspaper and magazine montage in the blockbuster movie GHOSTBUSTERS.  

In  Michael McWillie’s  paintings and prints, a whimsical spirit is joined with a sharp visual style. Calling himself the founder of the “Canine Neo-Surrealist Movement,” McWillie portrays some famous dogs in a few works, such as Barney and Miss Beasley, the two Scottish Terriers owned by former President George W. Bush. A few of McWillies pictures of them were even hung in the White House for a time. 

Elephants and armadillos also appear in McWillie's works, depicted with a charming playfulness. The strong sense of rhythm and movement in each piece reflects his ability to make the viewer feel the movements of his animals and the presence of musical notes and instruments. 

 “My paintings and prints are intended to take the viewer to a place of innocence, wonder and awe...while exploring the mysteries of composition, texture and color.” - Michael McWillie

Michael McWillie CV