cities anew.

I don't know if I'll ever stop being drawn to cityscapes in my work.
I love cities and the things <<real or imagined>> that can be discovered in them. I know for some they are overwhelming, stressful, dirty and even scary.
I find myself liberated and capable. I love the details, the depth and diversity. For me, cities represent opportunity and chance. I can take or leave what I will. With so much to see, I can easily choose what I take away with me. I like that power.

I keep going back again and again because I can't resist the stories being told either, millions of stories...
In the people, a tree, the buildings, the history, the sidewalks, a window I see so many stories, so many glimpses into the soul of a thing or someone.

(all of these pieces are currently available on my etsy shop.) 

temple series paintings: i love to see the temple.

I’ve had a focus in my work for a few years now on spaces, buildings and places that I’ve found happiness in. 

A few months ago I realized I wanted to do a painting of the LDS temple I was married in. I’d been looking for a painting (or a print rather) of that temple that fit my “style” aka “artistic preferences” but I was having quite a time of it. <<I’m really artistically picky, I admit it.>>  It dawned on me one day that I paint buildings… all the time. (duh) Why don’t I just do it myself? So I did. And it made me happy, and the painting makes me happy everyday. I love that my oldest boy points to it every time we come down the stairs and says"em-ple!". And I thought, maybe it would make other people happy too. 

So, I’ve decided to make my temples available to you.

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/MichelleMakesArt

>>In several formats to fit your “style” and your budget.

 

SLC temple original.

Bountiful temple original.

charcoal print on cream paper.

Bountiful temple giclee print.

St. Louis temple giclee print.

"transparent" SLC temple on 12x12 panel.

San Diego temple original.

"solid" SLC temple on 12x12 panel.

SLC temple giclee prints.

St. Louis temple original.

mounted panel example.

Bountiful temple original.

I truly do love to see the temple in my home. Everyday. Hope you do too. 

ART for sale.

Did you hear? I’m selling my artwork for the first.time.ever.

I’ve always loved&hated the idea of selling my work. Loved the idea of reaching other people and connecting through what I create.  It’s a unique conversation and I love it.  Loved the idea of the feeling of validation that would come with someone wanting what I made enough to buy it. Loved the idea of adding to the happiness in someone’s life with something I’d made that they’d see everyday.

Conversely I’ve always hated the possibility of such vulnerability and failure. Hated that it was possible that I’d put myself out there, and no one would be interested in what I had to offer. I hated the possibility that my art wouldn’t touch people. That it=I wasn’t good enough or talented enough. 

So for years (really though, years) I’ve just told people, “I don’t sell my work”. It’s safer, easier and it’s not scary either. 

Well, recently the timing and my current focuses, on home and happiness (and things that bring goodness into life), seemed right. So, I’ve made my work available to buy. And I’m still pretty scared to death.

I don’t know how it will go, but it was time to chase this dream. 

My new Etsy shop {MichelleMakesArt} is now open, check it out here.

Here are some pieces you'll find up in the shop :)