Michele Karen Artist Animal Portraits & Commissioned Art
PET PORTRAITS & COMMISSION WORK
About the Artist
My Background
My Inspiration
My Background
I am an artist based in North Aurora, Illinois. I attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago, Illinois and have continued taking additional accredited college courses. What I create is not just a drawing, a sketch or a mixed media piece but an extention of my artist soul. The goal is to capture a moment in time. Like smellng
I am an artist based in North Aurora, Illinois. I attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago, Illinois and have continued taking additional accredited college courses. What I create is not just a drawing, a sketch or a mixed media piece but an extention of my artist soul. The goal is to capture a moment in time. Like smellng fresh baked bread, it takes you to that special moment or place.
My main subject matter gravitates towards animals and nature but also includes commissioned pieces on a variety of subjects. This direction brought me to the development of my love of creating pet portraits. Nothing more inspiring than seeing the love and loyalty in those beautiful eyes. It is also very rewarding to see the appreciation fo the owner and how it touches their life.
Currently several of my pieces are now in print. Click on "Additional Work" to see the items available. Also, a few are available at the Winding Deerpath in Geneva, IL.
My Medium
My Inspiration
My Background
I have always been partial to a pencil and pen but as time progressed I have added color with colored pencils and began to mix mediums to get the final objective on many of my pieces. The tools of choice are graphite, pen and ink, watercolor, pastels and acrylic on papers and hard surfaces. The blending of these materials creates my own
I have always been partial to a pencil and pen but as time progressed I have added color with colored pencils and began to mix mediums to get the final objective on many of my pieces. The tools of choice are graphite, pen and ink, watercolor, pastels and acrylic on papers and hard surfaces. The blending of these materials creates my own unique signature. Most recently a combination of mixed medium enhanced with computer graphics has been added.
Many of my pieces are sold to be framed, but I find the glass that covers the artwork diminishes the impact of the color. As an alternative option I offer mounting the pieces on a wood cradle which is then sealed with a medium to protect the art . This then provides a clear view of the artwork without the hindrance of a mat and glass between the art and the viewer. The piece can then be framed or hung as is as the sides are finished. Click on "Finishing Touch" for more information.
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
My life as an artist started in early childhood. My father was Michael Meketi who was a fine artist and cartoonist. I loved to watch him paint and draw and he encouraged me to create and explore visual arts as well. As a task and to assist him, he let me clean his brushes, and I looked forward to that. He also allowed me to experime
My life as an artist started in early childhood. My father was Michael Meketi who was a fine artist and cartoonist. I loved to watch him paint and draw and he encouraged me to create and explore visual arts as well. As a task and to assist him, he let me clean his brushes, and I looked forward to that. He also allowed me to experiment with his paints, pencils, papers and brushes. It was really a time I cherish to this day.
The smell of oil paint and turpentine brings me back to that time and gives me joy. His love of nature and the American West has been influential in my subject matter.
He also encouraged me to attend art school at he American Academy of Art in Chicago.
Click "About" for Further Information