Michael Lyons, a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, is known for his evocative watercolor and oil paintings that capture the interplay of light and shadow in vibrant, unexpected scenes. A member of New York's historic Salmagundi Art Club and named one of Watercolor Magazine's 25 Artists to Watch, Lyons splits his time between Providence, where he teaches watercolor painting for RISD's Continuing Education Program, and Provincetown.

“I first came to Provincetown to work at the Benchmark Inn," says Lyons. "I had somehow made it to 23 without learning how to ride a bike, but I quickly realized what an important object it was for getting around town: a bike equaled freedom. I taught myself how to ride in the parking lot of Provincetown High School. That wasn't the only thing I learned — that crucial Ptown summer gave me the confidence to keep trying new things. I celebrate that."

His work transcends traditional genres, focusing not on portraits or landscapes but on the essence of a scene, where shadows and a masterful sense of color bring everyday moments to life. HOT WHEELS highlights his fascination with bikes and the pedicab community, a vital thread in the town's cultural fabric. Lyons transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary, inviting viewers to notice beauty in the overlooked.

"Michael's work is anything but conventional," says artist and curator Greg Salvatori. "While Provincetown is often depicted through predictable seascapes and boats, Michael takes the road less traveled, celebrating the unexpected with a fresh perspective. His ability to elevate the mundane into something meaningful is why we're so excited to showcase his work."

Michael Lyons is represented exclusively by Greg Salvatori Gallery.