Michael Israel

Michael Israel (March 15, 1960) is an American humanitarian and performance artist who is world-renowned for his live action paintings that have raised millions for charity. Israel’s performances are often referred to as a "Cirque Du Soleil meets Picasso" experience.
Israel was born in New York, NY where he spent his childhood studying martial arts. His career as an artist began at age fourteen (1974) in Louisville, KY where he performed and sold his first works for $3 each. He spent the summers of 1976 − 1984 touring and painting at festivals. Educationally, as part of an independent studies program for high IQ students, his 4.6 high school GPA earned him early admission into the University of Miami at age 17, where in his first few weeks he earn 30 college credits from CLEP testing.
Early life
Michael Israel spent his childhood studying martial arts. In 1977 Israel earned a Black Belt promotion and competed at the USKA (United States Karate Association) Grand Nationals and won in Men’s Black Belt Kata (forms) & light weight Kumite (Fighting). He spent 1977-1985 running 3 South Florida Karate schools while maintaining an art studio and touring nationally. In 1994 Israel suffered a horrific car accident causing him to lose his career temporarily. A year later Michael persevered rebuilding the structure of his art performances. In 2002 he performed during the President’s Dinner and in 2003 at the Presidential Gala in Washington DC and the Winter Olympics on the Medals Stage in Salt Lake City, Utah. The first and only to paint on a moving platform towed in figurine circles around the Mohegan Sun ice area in Connecticut by 16 skaters.
Oftentimes Israel incorporates icons, logos and scenery into his work to communicate various messages. In fact he has created many original images with significant messages and cultural impact that has garnered the attention of millions.He uses individual and multiple artworks to communicate a story or mission that go beyond the canvas, Michael has created unique direct charity and corporate conscience business models that have generated millions of dollars and other support to empower charitable causes. Every event is notable and each has many side stories of note as well. We’ve chosen just a few that we feel the general readership will relate to. When asked his favorite, Michael always replies, “The next one!” mentioned in ties with the controversial Donald Trump portrait. Michael had painted the portrait for a charity event, nearly 10 years ago, benefitting HomeSafe Charity, located in Palm Beach, Florida. During the 2016 United States Presidential Election, attention has been brought to the usage of Trump's use of charity funds to purchase the artwork and the ultimate whereabouts of the painting are under question.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu