Introducing Chris Michael: Pixelated Portraits Arrive at Presson Gallery

Pixelated Portrait Collage for Modern Walls

If you love art that feels both modern and handmade, Chris’s work is made for you. His pieces are:

• Pixelated portraits built from small blocks of color
• A mix of acrylic paint and collage, layered to create depth and movement
• Bold, graphic faces that read like digital pixels from far away, then reveal rich texture up close

These original works are perfect for:

• A statement wall in a living room, loft, or home office
• Collectors who love modern portraiture, pop-inspired color, and Chuck Close–style abstraction
• Holiday shoppers looking for a unique art gift instead of a mass-produced print

As online searches climb for “original wall art gifts,” “pixelated portrait art,” and “colorful contemporary collage,” Chris’s work fits right into what art buyers are looking for heading into Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas 2025.

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A Local Artist With a Wide-Angle View

Chris’s path to Presson Gallery is as layered as his artwork.

For more than three decades, he taught art in public schools across Union and Mecklenburg counties, helping generations of students discover their own creativity. He studied art at Wingate University, spent time in London through the Wingate in London program, and graduated with a degree in Art Education.

Outside the classroom, Chris built a second career in music. He wrote songs, recorded with an independent label, and became a familiar voice as “Cool King Chris” on the nationally syndicated Bob and Sheri Morning Show for nearly 20 years.

During the quiet of the pandemic, his focus shifted fully back to visual art. Those years sparked the series now on view at Presson Gallery—meticulous pixelated portraits and collages that nod to artists like Chuck Close while keeping a distinctly personal, handcrafted feel.

Now retired from public education, Chris is pouring his energy into the studio, and collectors are seeing that clarity in every new piece.

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What Makes Chris Michael’s Work Collectible

Chris’s work stands out in person and online, which makes it especially strong for today’s design-minded buyers searching for fresh “contemporary portrait wall art.”

Key features collectors love:

• Hand-cut, hand-placed “pixels” – Each block of color is individually applied, giving every piece a tactile, one-of-a-kind surface.
• Expressive faces – From close-cropped eyes and lips to full portraits, the work feels emotional and human, even when broken into geometric squares.
• Color-rich compositions – Warm skin tones, unexpected blues, and saturated pinks create striking focal points in any room.
• Versatile sizes – Smaller works are ideal for gift-giving or gallery walls; larger pieces instantly become the centerpiece of a living room, hallway, or office lobby.

If you’re browsing online for “modern portrait paintings,” “colorful acrylic collage,” or “original art gifts under $1,000,” Chris’s pixelated portraits offer the kind of unique, handmade quality that photos simply can’t replicate.

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‍Perfect Timing for Holiday Art Shoppers

As shoppers plan out Christmas gifts, original artwork is becoming one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate someone special.

Chris Michael’s work is ideal for:

• Holiday gifting – A memorable gift for a spouse, adult child, or art-loving friend who’s ready for a “real” piece of art on their walls.
• Home refresh before guests arrive – Add a bold focal point to your living room or dining room before holiday entertaining.
• Corporate or home office upgrades – His graphic, modern style works beautifully in creative studios, agencies, and contemporary office spaces.

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Visit Presson Gallery or Shop Chris Michael Online

You can explore Chris Michael’s artwork:

• In person at Presson Gallery on Main Street in Downtown Monroe, NC
• Online through our shop by visiting his artist collection HERE

Original pieces are one-of-a-kind and tend to move quickly— especially heading into the holiday season—so if a particular portrait speaks to you, we recommend securing it early!

Whether you’re local to the Charlotte / Monroe area or browsing from out of state for unique wall art gifts, we’re thrilled to help you add Chris Michael’s pixelated portraits to your collection!