Michael Paton has always been good at art. But when he was 18 years old, his work wasn't impressing anybody.

That's because it was everywhere it shouldn't be — on signs, bridges, and in other public places.

Having learned his lesson, the 25-year-old Paton now keeps his art on traditional canvases, and he's working to get it on display in more traditional settings.

"I need to make more positive initiatives," he explained. "And get my name out there."

Paton's work, which depicts everything from ocean scenes to outer space, will be on display and for sale in a gallery at the Wareham Free Library until September 14.

"I'd like people to have it in their living room," Paton said.

Paton's favorite subject to paint? The ocean — which is obvious by the number of seahorses, jellyfish, and other marine life that makes its way onto his canvases.

"It's quiet," he says of the ocean. "There's a lot of serenity."

Paton's oil-based masterpieces take him about an hour to an hour-and-a-half to complete.

"I think about how to layer the design," he said of his process. "I love how you can take something simple and turn it into something beautiful."

He is inspired by well-known graffiti artist Dondi White, and particularly enjoys making pop-culture references in his work.

Pee-wee Herman makes several appearances in Paton's art. Paton explained: "Pee-wee inspired me to be a character!"

Paton's mother, Nicole Carvalho, says talent in the arts runs in the family. Paton's grandparents were artists.

Paton himself has been making art since he was old enough to create.

In his screening for kindergarten, Carvalho remembered, Paton was asked to draw a face.

"He drew a face with the ears and everything," she says, "And he drew the whole ear canal."

Paton, who has been asked to create murals and do other custom work, estimates that he's made thousands of spray-painted masterpieces.

And what does his mother think of his chosen medium?

"It's best on canvas!" Carvalho said.

Check out the photo gallery for some of Michael Paton's work, or stop by the Wareham Free Library at 59 Marion Road to see it in person. For custom work or to buy one of Paton's pieces, e-mail him at kaperkoze@yahoo.com or call 508-813-0404.