Rooted. Blooming. Unapologetic.
FINE ART oils + site-specific figurative works made to be felt, collected + lived with
"A flower growing through concrete is beautiful, but also defiant — something wild and alive still growing. That is the energy I keep returning to in my work."
MICHELLE CARNES, MFA, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, exhibited at Sundance, SXSW, Google Intersection, and featured on NBC News
three WAYS TO BRING more life INTO YOUR space
ORIGINAL OILS
The Texture + Authenticity of Art Made by Hand
I believe there is something different about living with real art. An original painting carries the evidence of the human hand: brushstrokes, texture, movement, and small decisions that make it feel alive. My original work is made to bring feeling, atmosphere, and soul. A one-of-a-kind investment in something real.
PRINTS
Editions that Carry the Presence of the Original
Canvas and paper editions offer a beautiful, accessible way to bring meaningful artwork into your space when you want flexibility. Each print is curated from an original painting that has already sold and found its home. Once the original is owned, I may release a print edition so the work can continue to live on.
site-specific commissions
Bold Original Work for Spaces with a Story to Tell
With a background as a creative director, I approach each commission through both an emotional and visual lens. Whether created for a private home, brand environment, or special event, I consider the atmosphere, story, and emotional tone of the space. I understand how color, mood, and scale shape the way a space feels. Each commission is approached as a personal piece — made to bring meaning into the environment. I take on a limited number of commissioned projects each year so each piece receives the care, attention, and creative direction it deserves.
WHAT MY CLIENTS + collectors HAVE TO SAY
"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.
“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
“Everyone who enters the rooms where her work hangs, and I mean every one, both notices and compliments the work! The pieces elicit feelings as the subject MATTERS to me and that is evident and also effects the viewers. I will also go so far as to say her art actually inspires more creativity within our household — like a chain of creativity blessings!“
- KIVA B., ART COLLECTOR
"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
"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