Michele Usibelli » About the Artist

Born in Seattle, Michele Usibelli, AIS, was drawn to art at an early age. After earning her degree in architecture from the University of Washington, Michele combined her dedicated work ethic with her love of travel, working in locations throughout the world. Michele draws upon her extensive travels and life experiences as the basis of her work.

Michele works primarily in oils, with a flavor of impressionism, in her representational style. Her early training established a strong foundation in the Russian Impressionist tradition of seeing and painting shapes of light and color using relatively loose brushstrokes. She has studied extensively and been influenced by numerous historic artists, most notably Nicholai Fechin, John Singer Sargent and William Merritt Chase. All of these influences have allowed Michele to establish her own unique artistic style and define her as a truly versatile emerging 21^st Century American Impressionist. Michele is recognized for her expressive colors and the passionate brushwork she achieves in her portraits, landscapes, still lifes and figurative work.

Michele’s award-winning artwork has shown in both group and solo gallery exhibitions, in regional, national and international juried exhibitions, and has won numerous awards. Recently, Michele has followed her passion to teach, conducting ongoing workshops and art demonstrations. She has proven to be a popular juror. Her artwork can be found in public and private collections throughout the world.

Michele has been accepted into the following organizations; Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society/Signature Member, National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, Women Artists of the West, and Women Painters of Washington.

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"During my work in architecture, I felt deeply connected to the arts. But I truly discovered my passion when I began to explore oil painting. For me, the process of creating begins with a scene that I feel carries a certain energy and evokes an emotion. I find myself drawn to subject matter with rich colors or intriguing light. The vignettes of everyday life that inspire me to paint, regardless of whether it's a landscape, figurative work, cityscape, or portrait. It is my primary goal to have each artwork I create resonate with energy and the poetry of light. I follow my own 'rule' of painting what is truly important to me and feel very fortunate to be able to share that with all those who support and appreciate my work. There is nothing more gratifying than knowing that my work, which is so important to me, is appreciated by others." 

-Small Works Invitational Show/Howard Mandville Gallery, Kirkland, WA

-American Impressionist Society National Juried Exhibition/Mountainsong Gallery, CA

-Small Works Invitational Show/Howard Mandville Gallery, Kirkland, WA

-Small Works Invitational Show/Howard Mandville Gallery, Kirkland, WA