When Michael Keane was four years old, the first picture that he drew was of a boat. Since he can remember, he has had a special affinity for the sea; for the look, the feel, and the sound of it. While growing up, he filled his grandmother's house with the ship models that he was constantly building. A life-long artist, Keane started painting while still a child as he was given extensive instruction in oil painting and pastels.

Keane studied for eight years with his first painting instructor, Marshall W. Joyce, a marine artist of some renown. During his years of study with Joyce, Keane was taught many things about the depiction of ships and the sea that continue to influence his work today.

While studyi...