Michelle Held
Michelle Held, who grew up in Maryland and has been living in Sarasota, Florida, for 23 years, knew early on that art was to be her life. With an eye for detail, her creativity and imagination fueled her success as a business owner and artist. She often receives commissions for custom paintings that are unique and personalized to the space to the extreme challenge and importance of authentic historical restoration.
Being an active participant in painting events that directly support the preservation of the disappearing landscape ignited Held’s passion for wildlife, which led her on a journey of painting from life. Held feels working outside and on-site is most essential in fulfilling her craving for representational paintings and staying close to nature.
“I envision a painting, seeking great composition, light and value,” she says. “Once comfortable with that, I enjoy letting the painting direct me, instead of imposing my will upon it.”
Having an insatiable appetite for color, light and texture, Held strives to inspire happiness, trigger imaginations and make emotional connections with the viewers of her work. She believes evoking a feeling of light, space and passion is key to any successful contemporary painting. Held’s work includes a wide range of subjects, from still life and wildlife to landscapes and seascapes, but her most sought-after creations are her paintings of birds.
Held will participate in the Winter Park Paint Out April 21 to 27 and the Forgotten Coast En Plein Air from May 3 to 12. Palm Avenue Fine Art in Sarasota and I. Pinckney Simons Gallery in Beaufort, South Carolina, represent her work.
Want to See More?
(941) 376-1526 www.artbymichelleheld.com