Michelle brings with her a splash of vibrancy, a flutter of unique perspective, and the song of nature in its truest form. Born and raised in Maryland, Michelle knew from a young age that she was meant to paint as her career. Passionately working as an artist and business owner for the past 25 years, Michelle has been living out her dreams in Sarasota, Florida. Michelle currently participates in invitational paint outs and is widely collected throughout the United States. Often commissioned for custom paintings as well as historical restoration, Michelle’s  passion for wildlife and its ecosystems brought her to embrace the natural world through painting from life .

Michelle believes that evoking a feeling of light, space, and PASSION is the key to any successful contemporary painting. Michelle gives attention to composition, design and value and gives credence to a “go with the flow” attitude.

Plein air has set flight to many paint outs, including Easton, Forgotten Coast, Lighthouse Art Center, Sedona and many more. 

Recently Michelle won, 2 years in a row, People’s Artists Choice at Forgotten Coast. Forgotten Coast Quick Draw 2020, Grand prize in Sedona Paintout 2020 and 1st place at the 2021 Adiranondak Paintout.

The real victory however, has come with her love of teaching. Michelle finds that paying it forward is the best way to fulfill the soul. 

www.artbymichelleheld.com