Please critique this artist statement for me.  It is the first one I have written,
and I am not really sure how to go about it.

You can also see my website at michaeljohngallery.com www.michaeljohngallery.com


Michael John's Artist Statement

Talents:
Michael John started his interest in art as a child
and young adult with drawing and pen & ink.
He later discovered painting as he
studied under the great American Landscape
Artist, Ed Kellogg.
In the last few years Michael developed his skills in
Air Brush, metal work and textiles.  

Now, because of the overwhelming support of his
family, friends, and peers in the art community
Michael has finally plunged into a career as a
photographer.  For the last six years has been
quietly developing his craft and material as a
photographer.  With his training as a painter to
guide him, Michael brings to life stunning images of
the natural beauty of his beloved Gulf Coast.  
In his first public display of his photograph this
summer Michael unveils for you the richness of his
experience above and below the waters of the Gulf
of Mexico.  
Michael also often adds another dimension to his
pictures by including the people, animals, and
stories behind his images.  
Michael is a member of the Arts and Design Society
of Okaloosa County (ADSO), The Atrel Gallery of
Pensacola Florida, and The DeviantArt Community.   
Michael has won several art awards in drawing,
painting, and sculpture over the years and done
free lance art for printers and periodicals
(the latest being the local Audubon Society's news
letter) and Michael has sold his art on-line, at festivals,
and through local galleries.


Biography Information:
Michael John Cheney is a native of the Gulf Coast.  
Michael was born in Biloxi, Mississippi,  September
30, 1955.  He attended Fort Walton Beach and
Eliot's Point Elementary Schools, Meigs Middle
School, and graduated with Honors from
Choctahatchee High School in 1974.   Michael
attended OWC and then moved on to graduate
with Honors from Covenant College, Lookout
Mountain, Tennessee, with a BA in Interdisciplinary
Studies: Biology, Bible, and Education.  After
graduation Michael married his sweet heart, Phyllis
Early of Valparaiso, Florida, in 1982 and started his
teaching career as the middle and high school
science instructor for Rocky Bayou Christian
School/Academy.  After six years at RBCS Michael
began teaching for the Okaloosa School District,
first as horticulture Instructor and then as a high
school science teacher.  
Currently Michael is a member of the American
Chemical Society, listed in the Who's Who of
American Science Teachers, and a College Board
approved AP Chemistry instructor at Crestview
High School where he has been teaching for the
last 17 years.

Now Michael is launching an exciting career as a
premier Gulf Coast Photographer.