Michelle Carnes was born in Chicago growing up in an eclectic Ukrainian neighborhood. Her earliest artistic influences were rooted in the distinct cultural differences in language, color and her surroundings that helped form her view of the world. Michelle took this influence with her to the Art Institute of Chicago, where at the age of 11 began studies in figure drawing and anatomy. It was there that she saw the original work of Pierre Auguste Renoir, “On The Terrace,” and realized that it was clear — expressing herself through art was essential. Figure drawing, painting and design became her artistic voice.

She continued her studies in fine art and graphic design, graduating from the Art Institute of Colorado, refining her design, composition and color skills as a graphic artist — work that served to reinforce her passion for fine art.

“A fellow artist introduced me to the work of Sergei Bongart, and I knew it immediately. It was if I had seen the piece a million times before. In fact, I had, but it was in the way my Ukrainian grandmother used to arrange her flowers in a vase and the way I remembered her garden to look. The style of the Russian master was a calling to me. It created a desire to communicate to others that feeling of connection to your past, to life.”

Michelle draws inspiration from life — sweeping brush strokes, vibrant colors and rough on smooth textures are her tools to express the experience in an immediate, and bold voice. Michelle Carnes is growing as an artist true to her heritage in Russian Impressionism and plein air painting. Her award-winning work has been praised for its unique ability to capture the pivotal emotion and energy of the moment.

Website: www.michellecarnes.com

All artwork is copyrighted by the individual artists. Images may not be reproduced without the permission of the artist.

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