Michael Klein's subdued paintings have a subtle elegance that many treasure. The soft colors add an honest, sincere meaning to his paintings and attract those searching for a natural presence. He was born in 1980 in the Midwest. At 19 years old, he began his exploration and training in art. He studied under Richard Whitney, Nelson Shanks, Jacob Collins, and Richard Lack's classical painting styles at the Lack atelier. Klein is part of a new movement of artists. They use classic painting techniques but still uphold present day artists' ideologies. Klein looks at the Renaissance and French artistry for much of his inspiration.

Klein is such a gentle, sensitive, and inspiring artist and hopes to influence artists of today. He has taught workshops all around the world, including in Scotland, China, Argentina, and South Africa. In 2010, he and his wife started an online video production, American Painting Video Magazine. He, and similar artists, started East Oak Studios in North Carolina and The Line, a production company. These artist ventures are focused on today's greatest painters and influencers of future artists.

He attributes his artistry to his background and own experiences. In an interview with Southwest Art, he speaks about his art and what inspires him. He focuses on fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other natural elements. Klein expanded his paintings in 2017 to that of horses and the ocean scenery in North Carolina. He liked the freedom of the area and the "gritty truth" that the horses and island represented. Klein uses earth-based colors, oils, and truthful colors to emphasize his work. Klein sticks to subdued, neutral colors like ivory, violet, and pale pinks. He likes to keep his paintings true to life without exaggerating the colors in them. He has an organic, natural style in all of his paintings. Combining his training in classical painting, the impact of modern day artists, and his own experiences, he is creating art that is unique and extraordinary.