OUTSIDE THE FRAME
I’ve always been drawn to the bold, the unconventional — the kind of art, music, and culture that celebrates individuality. In art, some rules are meant to be broken, and breaking them is actually vital in order to grow as an artist.
As both a visual designer and painter, I bring structure and balance to my creative instincts. I want to create art that is accessible to everyone, and makes you feel the world differently, even if just for a moment.
Going back to my roots, I find answers from the artists who inspired me. I am reminded that I don’t fit into a box, and that's ok. I create my own space that integrates all my experience into a singular creative path.
Every project I take on, and every painting I create, is infused with that same spirit. The energy that first ignited me and the lessons I learned have become the purpose of my work. My art isn’t just about visuals, it’s about remembering that it's ok to be bold, to be different, and to be proud of who you are.
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Michelle Carnes is an artist, designer, and creative director whose work seamlessly blends fine art and design to transform both physical and digital spaces. With more than 20 years of experience in brand design, creative direction, and visual arts, she has a deep understanding of how art and design intersect to shape experiences, elevate spaces, and create lasting impact.
Michelle's family immigrated to the United States to put down roots in Chicago's Ukrainian Village, where her art was influenced by the traditions of her Eastern European culture.
From an early age, she had a deep passion for painting and drawing, excelling in figure drawing at the Art Institute of Chicago, starting at the age of 11.
Michelle holds an MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BA in Visual Communications from the Colorado Institute of Art. Her extensive background in design and production, combined with a keen understanding of color and composition, allows her to craft visually compelling installations.
Michelle explores relationships between people and places, and the power of individuality. While trained to capture the physical likeness of a subject in a classic sense, Michelle’s interest lies in the world beneath the surface. She reveals the abstract energies and personal vitality of a subject.
Her fine art has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions, featured on NBC News, and presented at the Sundance Film Festival, ChefDance, South by Southwest, and Google Intersection events. She has also created installations and public art for private and corporate collections, exhibitions and events.
Michelle curently creates and shows throughout the Bay Area, Northern California, and continues to push the boundaries of where and how art can live — proving that creativity belongs everywhere.
what my clients say
"I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle through my agency in Denver for many years. Michelle is one of the most brilliant, creative professionals I know. She has a unique ability to understand what a person is trying to express and deliver the perfect approach to hit the mark and meet their artistic visual goals."
KRISTI ESTES, CIG PUBLIC RELATIONS, LLC
"Michelle has provided us with something so valuable to us as a team. We look at the work every day and we are reminded of where we came from, who we are, and what we can achieve together. It is everything that we had hoped we would get. The works have become a centerpiece for our offices, our personalities are right there for all to see and we love it! Working with Michelle was so easy, it felt so effortless to get our thoughts out, the best bit is seeing those thoughts translated into art that we all identify with so easily. Inspiring work and a pleasure to collaborate with."
WAYNE SCHOLLS, REDTOUCH MEDIA, INC.
"An art campaign strategy for Qdoba® restaurants was to visually communicate an "art persona” for the restaurant chain. I worked with Michelle to help with the brand persona of “The Contessa". Michelle created over fifty original works of art to be reproduced throughout their national restaurant locations. The Chief Marketing Officer and design team were thrilled that Michelle’s work captured the essence and persona of their brand quickly and intuitively. The work she did was rigorous, creative, on time and budget and the client was extremely pleased."
KENDALL PETERSON, THERESQUARED, LLC
“Michelle Carnes’ vibrant colors and expressive images capture the personality of her subjects in surprising ways. We commissioned this energetic and engaging piece for a large wall in a media room. It delights our guests as they come down the stairs, and truly defines the space. The intensity of the colors, the play with reflected light and the drama of the brush work and framing preserve its presence even when lights are lowered for movie watching. Michelle is an excellent partner in design and was ready to make suggestions and incorporate our preferences. She was extremely helpful in placement and hanging. The process was entirely enjoyable, and we could not be happier with the outcome.”
ANN B., Art Collector