Michael Tetherow (1942-2007) was a New York-based painter influenced by themes of nature. Tetherow worked with thin layers of paint to emulate plant life, insects, and undergrowth inspired from his environment in eastern Long Island. His earlier monochromatic work incorporated a Symbolist style, distorting features of the human face and allowing figurative interpretation.

Born in Tacoma, Washington, Michael Tetherow studied at Puget Sound University as well as the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. He moved to New York after receiving a bachelor of fine art degree from the San Francisco Art Institute. Several public collections feature his work, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the New York Public Library, and the Dallas Museum of Art.