Michelle Carnes was born in Chicago, Illinois to parents who relocated during WWII from Ukraine and Latvia to the U.S.. Her earliest artistic influence was rooted in her heritage, growing up in the Ukrainian community. Michelle initiated her studies in figure drawing and anatomy at age 11 at The Art Institute of Chicago, producing works inspired by her rich surroundings.

One of her earliest memories of art’s powerful impact was when she saw "On The Terrace" by Pierre Auguste Renoir at The Art Institute of Chicago. She immediately knew she wanted to express herself as an artist. She continued her studies in fine art and graphic design, graduating from the Art Institute of Colorado, refining her design, composition and color skills as a graphic artist – work that served to reinforce her passion for fine art.

“A fellow artist introduced me to the work of Sergei Bongart, and I knew it immediately. It was the way my Ukrainian grandmother used to arrange her flowers in a vase, and the way I remembered her garden to look. The style of the Russian master was more than a calling to me, it was like looking back at my life. I desired to communicate that feeling of connection and wonderment.”

Michelle’s work ethic and deep eclectic roots are a forceful influence, inspiring her fine art. Her work has been praised for its unique ability to capture the pivotal emotion and energy of the moment.

“Russian masters like Nicolai Fechin and Sergei Bongart are exceptional because of their ability to express deep emotion in one brush stroke. It’s so simple yet so complex, it's chaotic poetry.”

Painting from life, about life, is very gratifying to Michelle. Painting in oils is her essential medium. It allows the flexibility to respond to the changes in light, expression or mood with a bold and ambitious technique. Sweeping brush strokes, vibrant colors and rough on smooth textures are a part of her toolbox, affording her the pleasure of telling the subject’s story in an immediate, and bold voice. The circle is completed when the emotion of the moment is successfully communicated. Art happens in the mind of the viewer.

About her work Michelle has said, “I am fortunate to have discovered my voice in order to convey my passion for life. I hope to motivate that same passion in my art. I will continue to be inspired by the vibrant world we live in and tell the stories of memories and dreams.” Life is beautiful.