Featured Artist Carol-Ann Michaelson

Artist Carol-Ann Michaelson creates ethereal abstract paintings with complex layers and surfaces. View more of her work by visiting her website.

 

 

I have been an artist all my life. Art was in my blood from an early age.

 

 

My mother was a painter, so I grew up with the smell of oil paint emanating from her studio. Many a rainy day was spent joyfully exploring her art materials. I attended art school in my early adult years and have continued my professional development throughout the ensuing years.

 

 

I have worked as a professional artist my entire adult life. The first medium I worked with was clay, creating both functional and non-functional ceramic pieces. I have been fortunate enough to have been invited to many parts of the world including Asia, Europe, the USA, and Canada to teach and work at guilds, colleges, and universities. I am honored to have my ceramic work in private collections, museums, and books. Moving on, ceramics has informed my current work.

 

 

From the moment I discovered it, I was enamored with the combination of oil paint and cold wax. This medium allows me to build up layers of translucent or opaque paint, creating thick and solid color or thin veils of translucency.

 

 

I build up and scrape back, always changing, adding, and removing paint until my conversation with the painting feels complete and I feel satisfied that nothing else can be said. These surfaces I aim to create are nuanced, with a feeling of history, luminosity, and energy. Multiple layers create a sense of depth, mystery, and narrative.

 

 

What inspires me? Daily walks with my dog (and husband!) Seeing the leaves turning to beautiful, fall colors during my regular walks in the woods. Listening to the streams and creeks that are behind my home. Marveling at the powerful visual stimulus from the first snow that transforms my landscape. The seasons and the details that unfold and are revealed in nature inspire me.

 

 

I am a traveler and I have explored many corners of the world, from ancient ruins and temples to contemporary cities and outstanding country sides. Places, layers of history, peoples and their histories inspire me. And how can the last two years of lockdown and isolation not affect my work?

 

 

Painting is like a meditation. As a gestural abstract painter, it all happens in the moment. Magic happens when I get out of my head and allow that deep, inner voice that I trust to guide my hand. I then connect to my painting, and I feel alive.

 

 

I want my work to draw you in from afar to see the subtle details up close. It is so personally rewarding when my painting speaks and resonates with others.

 

Carol-Ann Michaelson invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!