Shortly after decorative painter Michael James graduated from high school, he crossed the Atlantic to head for Europe. While overseas, he learned from the old masters, studying art for one year and taking on projects that would inform his development as a professional, such as renovating a 19th century farmhouse and painting a moustache on the Mona Lisa. In 1998, after returning to the States, he started his own company, rendering services such as interior painting, custom color, brick fireplace makeovers, and wood graining for homes and offices across the country. His efforts have landed him in a number of renowned media outlets: he’s worked on projects featured on Oprah, his fine art decorative tiles were featured in Bliss magazine, and he’s been named a winner at the Parade of Homes.