Mishel Vanderten

Artist Bio/Statement

Mishel Vanderten is an award-winning, artist with gallery acceptance. Her original works and commissioned pieces appear in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, the US Virgin Islands and, exhibits at selected International Airports in the USA & Mexico.

Mishel’s paintings are contemporary, realistic and abstract; her style portraying tranquility, captivating as it soothes the viewer. Mishel has developed a unique ability to draw the audience deeply into her creative vision. She’s also known for her impressive color schemes and graceful compositions which effectively merge nature into her canvas.

Mishel is a self taught artist, she began painting on her own in watercolor in 2002. Her first Koi painting was exhibited at a juried show won an award. In 2005, her One-Woman show sold seventy five percent of her original works. Two years later, her original paintings achieved gallery representation in the US Virgin Islands as well as International recognition.

"When commencing a new subject, I use images from memory and photographs, these are the basis of my compositions and color schemes. I engage myself in the essence of the overall composition -- how a feeling allures me and sways my frame of mind. And, while captivated by these senses I portray that feeling onto the work. This is what drives my artistic impulse and my goal while creating a painting -- enticing the feeling within. I often hear from those who have obtained my work that what pleases them most is that my art touches their feelings. They tell me how they feel whenever they look at the painting. Am I an emotional painter? You decide. My goal is to experiment with different media in ways that reveal my life experiences most creatively.

Mishel was Born in Brussels, Belgium and is a long time resident of California. She currently lives in California along with her husband, and their two dogs. She paints from her home studio and draws her inspiration from nature, the places to which she has traveled, as well as the beautiful surroundings where she lives.

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Techniques:

When painting in watercolor I use 140 pound Arches paper. Once it is thoroughly wet, I attach it to a stretched canvas and allow it to dry completely before applying paint. I use various techniques of watercolor, allowing the composition to flow over onto the sides of the canvas. After the piece is finished and thoroughly dried, I apply several coats of (krylon) protective spray to protect it from dust and UV light. I have found this method useful for displaying watercolor paintings without a frame if desired.

When working in acrylic and oils I like to use a stretched canvas with staple-free sides, allowing my composition to extend over the sides of the canvas and to give the finished piece a clean look. I use Gesso to prime the canvas to provide a smoother surface to work on. After the painting is finished, I apply acrylic varnish to ensure its longevity.

Canvas prints are also available. These are on stretched canvas with painted sides and can be hung without a frame if desired. They can also be made in smaller sizes than the original. All original artwork and canvas prints come equipped with a wire back hanger.

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