Michael S. Vieira (b. 1974, Lowell, Massachusetts) is an American oil painter based in Lowell. He studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and later apprenticed under painter Paul Ingbretson, where he refined his technique in the classical tradition.
Vieira is best known for his cityscapes, particularly those depicting his hometown of Lowell. His paintings emphasize the quiet dignity of aging buildings and the layered history of the city’s neighborhoods, mills, and gathering places. Combining classical methods with a personal sensibility, his work often explores themes of faith, history, and resilience while reflecting the grit and character of urban life.
His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and has found its way into private collections both nationally and internationally. Recognized for his ability convey a deep sense of place, Vieira continues to create paintings that resonate with beauty, history, and the enduring spirit of Lowell.
Michael S. Vieira
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts USA 1974
Lives and works in Lowell, MA. USA
Education:
2005-2011
Apprenticeship under Paul Ingbretson, The Ingbretson Studio of Drawing & Painting, Manchester, NH. USA
1995-2000
Diploma in Fine Arts with a Fifth year Certificate, The School of The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA. US
Solo Exhibitions:
2026 The City I Know, Paintings by Michael S. Vieira, Chelmsford Center for the Arts, Chelmsford, MA. USA
Group Exhibitions:
2025
2025 RAA&M Natioal Juried Show, Rockport Art Association & Museum, Rockport, MA.
15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition, PleinAir Magazine, Online Exhibition
Academic Artists Association 75th Annual National Exhibition of Traditional Realism, Arts Center East, Vernon, CT.
NOAPS 2025 Spring International, Online Exhibition
City Spots, Salmagundi Club, Ney York, NY. USA
Color Color Color, Art league of Lowell, Lowell, MA. USA
2024
Annual Juried Members Exhibit 2024, Whistler House Museum of Art, Lowell, MA. USA
DRAW LOWELL confluence, Whistler House Museum of Art, Lowell, MA. USA
Four by Four for Education, The Brush Art Gallery & Studios, Lowell MA. USA
2023
Annual Juried Members Exhibit 2023, All Creatures Great & Small, Whistler House Museum of Art, Lowell, MA. USA
In the Light of the past: The Students of Paul Ingbretson, Whistler House Museum of Art, Lowell, MA. USA
2021
Annual Spur Art Guild Exhibition 2021, Spur, TX. USA
2019
Annual Spur Art Guild Exhibition 2019, Spur, TX. USA
2015
Lowell As We See It: A Juried Members Exhibit, Whistler House Museum of Art, Lowell, MA. USA
2013
Lowell Open Studios: A Citywide Celebration of Art, Gates Block Studios, Lowell, MA. USA
2011
Academic Artists Association 62nd National Juried Exhibition Springfield, MA. USA
2010
Ingbretson students Selected Works, Hearle Gallery, Chatham MA. USA
2009
Annual Regional Painting Competition The President's Gallery, The Guild of Boston artists, Boston, MA. USA
2008
The Banks Gallery, New London, NH. USA
2007
22nd Annual Art Conservatory Art Classic, Bosque Conservatory, Clifton, TX. USA.
2005
2nd Annual Artist's Show: The Art Gallery of Kingwood, Kingwood, TX. USA
2004
Artist's Show: The Art Gallery of Kingwood, Kingwood, TX. USA
2003
Faculty Exhibition, Art Center of Chelmsford, Chelmsford, MA. USA
2001
Traveling Scholars 2000, The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA. USA
1999
“EncontroAristico” Comunidades Portuguesas; Fundacao da Juventude; Porto, Portugal.
Portuguese American Artists, Groupo Amigos da Terceira, Pawtucket, RI. USA
1998
Group show, The Piano factory, Boston, MA. USA
Public Collection:
City of Lowell, Lower Locks parking garage, Lowell, MA. USA
Private Collections:
Michael S Vieira features in various national and international private collections, including The United States, Canada, Portugal and Brazil
Awards:
2025
Academic Artists Association, Alben Bryan Memorial Award for Oil Landscape.
15th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition, PleinAir Magazine, Honorable Mention in Building.
2024
Peter Kostoulakos Memorial Award for Excellence in painting, Whistler House Museum of Art, Lowell, MA. USA
2000
MFA Traveling Scholarship, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA. USA
Press and Publications:
Peter Currier “HIDDEN MURAL UNVEILED Image depicting the Crucifixion being restored by Lowell artist” THE SUN 2025
Kay Ellington “MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS: Michael S. Vieira on the art of living in Spur” The Texas Spur 2019
Melissa Sambrooks “Piture perfect” Houston Chronicle 2004
Sarah Clark, “Art Gallery of Kingwood features local artists” Kingwood observer 2003
Professional Contributions:
Teaching painting, drawing, conducting workshops and demonstrations in museums, galleries, and art centers