Life & Work with Michelle Reeves

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Reeves. 

Hi Michelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2017 a gentleman asked me a question during a job interview; “What are you passionate about?”. I wasn’t able to answer the question and it really bothered me. This led me back to school at the age of 52 years old to pursue an interior design degree hoping this would fill the void inside. It was through course work in Color Theory, that led me to painting. 

At first, I painted due to coursework. Then I painted out of necessity, to relieve built-up creative pressure… almost volcanically. Then I painted out of fun and pure joy. Soon a distinct style emerged using primarily palette knives. 

After a lifetime of feeling hidden and unworthy, renewed child-like joy and professional purpose bubble out and is reflected on the canvas. The relief of knowing what I’m supposed to be doing and the emotive translations of life are expressed with careful color consideration and texture building. 

As a self-taught painter, every canvas is a learning experience and as a former make-up artist, I am very affected by color and have been my whole life. I am inspired by what I see in nature which springboards me in a painting direction. I don’t paint what I see, but rather the impression, color, and movement of the subject or imagined content. I like to paint with a “what if” mentality while taking risks. For example, I applied a black wash over an entire painting and squeegeed off the excess, and ended up with an award winner! 

Floral beauty has always been my sanctuary causing a visceral response to the beauty and possibilities of nature. It comes as no surprise that when I started to paint, flowers literally exploded out of me as they bring so much joy and wonderful memories. I communicate my point of view, good, bad, or ugly, through flowers/nature and color/texture – putting voice to canvas through paint and palette knife/brushes, in an impressionistic fashion. Being a life-long fan of Monet and spending countless hours as a child combing through coffee table books, has greatly influenced me. 

It brings me great joy when someone says a painting makes them happy to look at it. Many artists will tell you they paint with emotion on their sleeve, and those emotions are reflected on the canvas. I do the same, but sometimes I get a zap of impulsive energy that is reckless and physical. For example, In A NutShell, is two paintings in one. The underpainting is a graphic doodle painted with brushes using shades of deep pink, green and black. I enjoyed the process with the rigid lines and crisp color not often found in my paintings at the time. I knew I would eventually paint over the doodle and when I did, I had a physical urge to paint with my bare hands. The top ridge of the canvas is where I added white paint and dragged my hands downward using one swipe to move the paint creating a water-like effect. The outcome is such a delight and I discovered a new technique from taking this risk. Taking these kinds of risks keeps pushing me forward so I can continue to offer something I’m proud of. 

Now in 2022, I paint full time and make a living as a professional artist. I’m in two galleries, have been awarded two overseas artist residencies, been published in two magazines and two articles, and have won 24 international awards. I’ve also participated in dozens of juried art exhibitions. 

I am so grateful to be painting and thank the Heavens above daily. And when an idea hits… I grab creative by the tail and kiss inspiration on the cheek and enjoy the ride. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Once I started being honest with myself as to who I was supposed to be, the road literally rolled out before me. There was no swimming against the tide like I have felt my whole professional life prior to painting. The struggle was with before I started to paint. Not knowing who I was, not living my authentic life…even with being a professional make-up artist. But once the palette knives and brushes met my hands, that was it… full steam ahead. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an artist. It took me 52 years to say that. I specialize in floral/botanical art. Flowers are my happy place. My grandmother and mother both love flowers, especially roses. I think my blood is made of rose oil. When I first started painting, I painted primarily only using palette knives, it wasn’t until recently that I started using brushes in My Coloring Book Series. 

I’m known for my abstract floral paintings and my color combinations, I don’t paint what I see, but rather the possibilities, color, and movement. Recently I attended my artist residency in France and came home with a new painting style. How exciting it was as the style I discovered took me back to my childhood. I realize that my new paintings resembled my childhood coloring books with the heavily outlining and intricate backgrounds. Now I have a whole series called My Coloring Book Series. It has been well received and I have won several international awards. 

I am most proud of my willingness to pivot and grow. I was known for using all palette knives, but when I started painting with brushes as well, I had to allow myself to grow and change. I am proud of the fact that I take risks, I try new things, I don’t hold on to yesterday so hard that I can’t move forward. And I am also proud of putting myself “out there” and not being afraid of failure or critique. 

I’ve seen many abstract floral artists, many of whom I admire very much. Perhaps what sets me apart is my willingness to evolve and to expose myself. With that said, I don’t minimize, take away or put myself above anyone else’s art. The only thing that really sets me apart is my voice. It’s mine and mine alone! 

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Joy, curiosity, tenacity/drive. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.michellereevesart.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/michellereevesartnashville
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/michchicart

Image Credits
Headshot: Leila Grossman