Shanghai China sees Michels works

My watercolor "Sugar and Spice" has been juried into one of the largest and most prestigious art shows in the world - 2012 Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Exhibit.  I am very honored to have my piece selected by a jury of 7 master watercolor artists from around the world.  There were more than 10,000 paintings originally entered in the show.  From that 10,000 approx. 225 from 62 countries were chosen to be in the show that begins in mid-November.  So exciting to be one of the few artists that will be representing the US in this show.

Watercolors by Kathy Michels

"Amazing Grace" Watercolor in Progress

This painting has been a challenge to do.  It has been so much fun.  I love painting people and ballerinas.  The mirror in mirrors are always full of surprises and a wonderful experience.  I love storytelling through any form of art.  You want to stop people in their tracks and have them drawn into your painting and try to decide what they want the story to be.

"Sugar and Spice" arrived in China

This painting is enroute to China. The Shanghai 2012 International Watercolor Biennial received more than 10,000 paintings. I am pleased to announce this painting is one of just over 200 paintings from 62 countries that made in through phase I and are being reviewed in August for placement in this show.
UPDATE . . .
My painting arrived safely in China.  The process for Phase was involved sending jpegs of our work.  Those of us that passed this phase were asked to send our original paintings to China.  Those paintings are being reviewed for Phase II.  The decision was originally going to be made at the end of August as to which paintings pass this phase and are actually in the show.  We received word last week that the reviews were not yet completed and determination will be made in the next week or so.

The excitement builds with each passing day.  It is just an honor for my work to pass the initial phase.  But I am definitely hoping that my painting will pass the next phase and make it into the show. 

This particular piece of art was from a photoshoot I did at a local cancer benefit called "Bikers and
Belly Dancers".  I expected to see tons of brightly colored costumes.  Instead one group of dancers had on these black, goth type outfits that were beautiful.  But I knew I need to do an artsy angle to show off the black skirts, lace, metals and shiny knives - thus "Sugar and Spice" evolved.  That is what is so exciting about art - there is no right or wrong.   

Biker Dude by Kathy Michels

Wow-sometimes we get so busy with the artwork it seems like the days just zip on by.  I didn't realize I had not posted the finish painting here.  This was so fun to do.  I am looking forward to doing more paintings of area residents.  Can't wait for the weather to start cooling down again so I can get out with the camera. 

To see more of my work please visit www.artbykathymichels.com

Biker Dude in Progress

I am working on the motor bike now. It is always fun to see the painting start to take on life and dimension. I love working with realism. There is always such a challenge to create different textures. Here it is working with the metals and the tires. Once I put in the glass window I will probably tone down some of the bike detail.

Biker Dude Progresses in watercolor

I love watercolors - each painting offers unique challenges. There is so much fun and excitement when you bring a painting to life. It so fun when you get to include local residents, shops and buildings in your art. There are such fascinating items behind the glass window and wonderful reflections on the glass I hope I can do it justice!

Biker Dude - Watercolor in Progress

This is my first watercolor of 2012 that I have named Biker Dude. Just wanted to update my work as I go along. Each painting is always such an adventure. It's always a joy to be able to paint local people and businesses.

Prepping for the First Painting of 2012 by Kathy Michels

Happy New Year! Time sure seems to fly when the holidays are here. Now it is time to get back to my art. This is the drawing for my newest big project. This wonderful storefront caught my attention in Middletown. I happened to see a man peering in several windows as he waited for the bus. I had him look at the bikes
and snapped a few pictures. The reflections of the signs across the street were great. Inside the shop you could see all the bikes, picture frames, and various
items. It has been fun and a challenge to draw with so much going on. When I paint and fade out the bikes and put in the glass and reflections you will get a better idea of what is going on. I have just a few more things to finish drawing this weekend. I can't wait to start painting.

Watercolor In Progress

This week I took advantage of the warm, sunny days to get some photos. Yesterday I started painting this 8" x 10" watercolor for practice. Normally all my paintings have people so this is
definitely out of my comfort zone. But I am having fun adding the layers to bring the wood to life. Tonight I will be detailing that wood grain and plan to finish it tomorrow.

To see more of my work please visit my website at www.artbykathymichels.com

Front Page Feature Story - Kathy Michels

Photo by Jeremy Long, Lebanon Daily News

www.ldnews.com/ci_19075547

It was a great surprise to find my story on the front page of the Lebanon Daily News.
Telling the story of someone's illness is very personal and intimate. I am so happy
with the way writer, Andrea Gillhoolley told the story. She did a wonderful job.
I am hoping it will inspire others facing lifetime illnesses, to try their hands
at some type of art or craft. It will open up a whole new world and it will give them
peace.

Facial Expression Study Watercolor by Kathy Michels

Well, we are finally bouncing back from effects of the hurricane here. Fortunately our house did not suffer but many neighbors had problems. We couldn't get out for a couple of days because of all the flooding across the roads. Today our boil order was lifted so finally there is a light at the end of this tunnel. During this down time I worked on some small paintings. I wanted to try and work on facial expressions. This picture was the one. These little girls just couldn't believe their ears! Their teacher was telling them about their next move. They were just so shocked and intrigued. It was so fun being able to capture those expressions first with the camera and then with paint!