I grew up in Chicago and knew at a young age I was destined to be an artist. I made regular trips to all the art museums, and the Field Museum. While growing up I also had a keen interest in plants, and I had my own garden patch. Perhaps this experience and all those years in the city both nurtured my great love and passion for nature and animals. I studied first at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, receiving my BFA, and went on to receive my MFA in painting from Northern Illinois University. My desire to draw figures has been on-going, although figures always seem to be asking me to tell their story, and eventually these interests, figures, flora and fauna all make their way into my art.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, and Lurie Garden in MIllennium Park are a couple of the inspiring places I teach and paint at, and they enable me to take in there incredible nature environment.

In addition to teaching, painting and creating illustrations, I have begun to write my own stories. I have a great support group, my husband who is an exhibit designer and a creative son and daughter. Our home is filled with music, art, animals, and a wonderful garden. Thanks for taking a look, come back often I'm always adding new art!

Artist Statement

Résumé

Michelle's watercolor palette

Detail: Little Blue Heron and Red Winged Blackbird, Watercolor and watercolor pencil