I started painting in September of 2003.
We had just moved to Toronto and as far as I was concerned I had put my guitar away
for good. I didn’t think I’d write another song or for that matter ever play guitar
again. And to make matters worse, I didn’t even care. I was done. What I didn’t realize is that I still needed a release artistically. 
One day I was walking along Queen Street in Toronto. 
I walked by the Horseshoe Tavern. I thought of how my life used to be. I kept walking. “Good riddance”, I said to myself. “Those days are long gone.”
About 6 doors down from the Horseshoe is an art supplies shop. I’d never been in there before. In fact, I’m not sure I’d ever seen it before. But, for some reason I walked in and 10 minutes later I had bought everything shy of a beret to make me feel like I was a painter… Paints, brushes, canvas… an easel… you name it… I had it.
The first thing I tried to paint was an image I had in my head of a guy in a pool hall. Garbage. Which is exactly where it went. I put my foot through it. Took out a knife and tore it to bits.
Bad canvas!
Bad bad canvas!
I needed a “subject” to paint.
A picture… something… anything…
Jesus, anything but my imagination…
I couldn’t just paint off the top of my head…
Who the hell did I think I was?
There was a picture in a frame on our bookshelf of Jenny and I walking down 5th Avenue in NYC the day after our wedding…
So that’s what I painted.
Poorly.
But I enjoyed the hell out of it.
I painted for the 9 months Jenny was pregnant with Ruby. A week before she was born I took out my guitar and wrote 15 songs.
I haven’t painted since.
But I keep threatening to start again.
Nice work Mike! I love the vivid colors and the style of the paintings. I had no idea you were also a visual artist! Can you dance too?
Where is your painting of Guy LaFluer?
My name is Leslie, I never met the guys of Mike Plume Band until the year 1998. I was working at a restraunt in Vegreville Alberta Canada. The restraunt was called Stamaties Pizza. I was working for the brother of the drummer of the band, his name is Ernie. When the guys of the band came into the restraunt, they never came in the front door. They came in the back. I did not know what to think. All I saw was 5 or 6 guys rushing in. I thought that there was going to be a scrap. However I was prepared, I had a big sharp knife in my hands. Here Ernies brother Sam was getting a great laugh from the way I was scared. Then he told me what these guys where doing, and who they were. And for that I was at ease.I scored 2 free CD,S from them and cooked them all Lasagne with lots of sause. Till this day I always have a great laugh to myself. Thanks for the heart attack guys
Leslie Henderson
Hi Mike,
It has been a long time. I remember when I first met you as a kid, coming into buy his first vehicle. I remember thinking how well manner you were, but more so how your talent would one day bring you to the top. I recall your telling me how you enjoyed music, and how you face came alive as you talked about your music. Congrats on all your accomplishments, you should be very proud of yourself.
Hi Mike,
I love your art. I remember the terrific drawings you made as a little kid. I always expected you to be an artist, not a musician, but I see you are very talented at both!! <3