Jeff Micklem

I was born in Adelaide, South Australia, which is where I grew up.
I showed a talent for art from a young age, but did not pursue it until later on. At nineteen I joined the army and began a short career as an infantry soldier. Wanting more from the army, I attempted Special Forces selection and was successful, becoming a qualified member of 4RAR Commando.
In my spare time I sketched and painted, often being asked to do portraits of friends wives, children, etc.
I grew a passion for fantasy art, striving to bring my imagination to life on canvas. Realism was my goal, and I found I couldn't get the result I was after with straight oil painting.
This is where I discovered an airbrush, which at first I used in conjunction with my oils, and then on its own. I realised it's versatility and started painting everything I could get my hands on, helmets, snowboards, my bar fridge, and soon my car.
I was then approached to produce a set of sketches, to be made into limited edition prints, and that became "The Pioneer Limited Edition".
With this came my realisation that I could do my artwork full time and make a living, so I discharged from the army, after four and a half years of service and started MFX (standing for Micklem effects).