Michael was born in Dublin in 1951 and has lived in Clare, Laois and Kildare. He also spent fifteen years in the UK before returning to Ireland in 1989. He has painted in many parts of the world; the UK, Spain, France, Portugal, Africa, the US and South East Asia.

He creates a great sense of place in his works in whatever medium he chooses. He enjoys capturing the atmosphere of the Irish countryside with particular emphasis on dramatic skies and seascapes.

Michael has studied at the National College of Art and Design, The Burren College of Art and the Lisdoonvarna Painting Centre. He has also worked under Trevor Geoghegan, Fergal Flanagan, James Flack and Dorothee Roberts. He recently retired from a career in banking to devote his time to his love of art, painting in watercolour and more recently in oil. His subject is invariably Ireland – its light, its atmosphere, its varied landscapes and seascapes.

Michael visited Buckingham Palace in London on August 10th to personally deliver his oil painting commemorating Queen Elizabeth’s historic visit to Ireland. It will now be part of the Royal Collection which includes works by the old masters. “Its amongst many famous Paintings going back hundreds of years so its in good company”, said Michael Hanrahan as he left the palace where the Queen’s private Secretary and the Chief Clerk of the Palace held a special reception in honour of the visit.
Michael is now the only living Irish Artist with work in the Royal Collection.