project gallery
art-elevated space transformations
Every piece is crafted to be more than just a statement — it’s designed to create connection, evoke emotion, and foster a sense of place that leaves a lasting impression. Let’s transform your space into an immersive, art-driven experience.
my methods + approach
crafting the experience
FINE ART + COMMISSIONS
• ORIGINAL ART: One-of-a-kind oil paintings Â
• QUALITY PRINTS: Curated prints and art decorÂ
EXPERIENTIAL DESIGNÂ
• PUBLIC ART | PLACEMAKING: Enhancing community spaces, public areas, and events
• BRANDED ART INSTALLATIONS: Brand-driven art that extends your vision and audience engagement
• EVENT | EXHIBITIONS: Visual experiences for events, galleries, and pop-upsÂ
• RETAIL | HOSPITALITY: Creating atmosphere and mood with ambiance-driven and statement-making art
• STATEMENT WALLS: Hand-painted, digital, or projectedÂ
• INTERACTIVE: Engaging installations that invite audience participation, movement, or sensory interactionÂ
• FUNCTIONAL ART: Wayfinding, art wall panels, painted barn doors, room dividers, creative art integrationsÂ
CREATIVE CONSULTING | COLLABORATIONSÂ Â
• CREATIVE DIRECTION: Consulting and concept development on artistic vision, mood, and execution
• MATERIAL | FABRICATION CONSULTATION: Advising on materials, textures, and fabrication techniques
1. DISCOVERY
INITIAL CONSULTATION:Â I meet with you to understand your goals and objectives by scheduling an on-site visit to study architecture, lighting, and how people interact within the area. If remote, I work with photos, blueprints, or virtual walkthroughs
2. CONCEPT
ARTISTIC DIRECTION:Â We define your core concept to capture the mood and emotion you want to create
MOOD BOARDS | MOCKUPS:Â I provide sketches, digital renderings, or collages to communicate the aesthetic and atmosphere we want to create
3. PLANNING
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSÂ (if applicable):Â I consider movement, sound, and light, and if viewers will be a part of the experience
SUSTAINABILITY | DURABILITY:Â I ensure the materials align with longevity and environmental impact
4. DESIGN | PRODUCTIONÂ
EXECUTION: Painting original art, assembling installations, collaborating with fabricators — this is where my work physically takes form
REFINEMENT:Â I make adjustments based on space, logistics, feedback, and unexpected insights
TECHNICAL INTEGRATIONS:Â I collaborate with tech teams and vendors to ensure seamless execution
5. INSTALLATIONÂ
ON-SITE ADAPTATION:Â Spaces can feel different in person than on paper. I make minor refinements Iif applicable
SPATIAL IMPACT:Â I observe how the piece interacts with lighting, movement, and foot traffic
FINAL WALK THROUGH:Â I am there with you every step of the way to ensure you approve of the final presentation
6. UNVEILING
EVENT LAUNCH: (if applicable): We create a buzz around the piece’s unveiling
INFORMATIVE GUIDES:Â I provide maintenance and interaction guidance materials
PHOTOGRAPHY | DOCUMENTATION: We professionally capture the transformation for your personal and promotional use
7. ONGOING SUPPORTÂ
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK:Â We gather insights on how people interact with and respond to the art experience.
SUPPORT:Â Insights on future adaptations and updates
what 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."Â
KRISTI ESTES, CIG Public Relations
"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.”Â
KENDALL PETERSON, There Squared, 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, Art Collector
Let's explore how to create your custom art experience