Born and raised in Orange County, California, Michelle studied under many professional artists, focusing her studies mainly on figurative drawing and painting. Studying the fundamentals under her father-- an artist himself—she continued her higher education with art professors at Saddleback College in summer programs. The decision to major in the Fine Arts at California State University Long Beach led to study abroad in Florence, Italy. These varied experiences provided her with multiple perspectives concerning the significance of the arts, and gave her an underlying appreciation for arts of all genres

 

"What first fascinated me about the human face when I began my studies of figural paintings still intrigues me when I study the faces of animals--no two are the same. Our pets speak to us through their eyes. That’s what I consider to be the most important feature in my watercolor paintings. My body of work, which I call “Soulful Pet Portraits,” reflects my desire to express the inner essence of each of the animals I paint.

 

My fascination with portraying the soul or aura is intimately involved with the palette of colors that I choose to identify each animal, to bring the image of those pets to life. My paintings are created directly out of my belief that the behavior of our domesticated animals is a message to mankind, related to the very essence of unconditional love. Each animal has its own story, and its own particular relationship with its human family.They are part of the good in this world, and impact our lives in many ways. No two stories of pet relationships are the same. I strive to honor all animals, their families, and their stories through my paintings."