Meet the Artist | Usibelli Fine Art

The Artist Behind the Canvas: Michele Usibelli

Vibrant-Passionate-Captivating

Michele Usibelli,

OPA, AIS, AWA, CAC, LPAPA

Granddaughter of both Italian and French immigrants, I feel I was born to create. After earning my degree in Architecture from the University of Washington, I combined my professional life with my love of travel. My extensive travels and life experiences provide the solid platform from which my artwork is created.

My early training established a strong foundation in the Russian Impressionist tradition of seeing and painting shapes of light and color using relatively loose brushstrokes. I have studied extensively and have been influenced by numerous historic artists, most notably Nicholai Fechin, John Singer Sargent and William Merritt Chase. All of these influences have allowed me to establish my own unique artistic style and define me as a truly versatile artist.

While I am drawn to many painting genres; still life, landscape, cityscapes and figurative-its my individual style and paint application, that creates and maintains a constant theme throughout my body of work.

My work is created primarily in oils, but I also enjoy working in acrylics, gouache and watercolor in my representational style. I strive for consistency of style that is uniquely my own. Collectors continuously say they "can spot my work from across the room". Establishing my own, unique, artistic voice is my primary goal. I will never paint the same image twice. Every piece that I create is truly an original, completed to my highest standards.

I am thankful to have the opportunity to pursue this passion I call art! Through my art I have had the opportunity to establish many long term friendships with collectors, galleries and other artists. When a collector purchases a piece I do not view it as a one time event, I view it as a new friend for life. I am extremely grateful for those who have supported me and hope you will continue to appreciate and support all artists who are making the world a more beautiful place.

Proud Affiliations & Artistic Community

Oil Painters of America/Signature Member
American Impressionist Society/Signature Member
California Art Club/Artist Member
American Women Artists/Signature Member
Laguna Plein Air Painters Association/Signature Member.

Michele is a proud member of several prestigious organizations, including:

Honors & Acclaimed Collections

Michele’s award-winning artwork has shown in both group and solo gallery exhibitions as well as regional, national and international juried exhibitions and Museum Auctions. Usibelli has won numerous awards, including the Silver Medal Award at the prestigious Salmagundi Club, NYC and the UCI Institute and Museum of California Art Award. She is honored to have her work in the permanent collection at the University of Alaska Fairbanks/Museum of the North and most recently, her painting "First Light, Pioneer Mill Smokestack", was acquired by the State of Hawaii for their permanent collection. Michele has followed her passion to teach, conducting ongoing workshops and art demonstrations throughout the US and internationally. She has proven to be a popular juror. Her artwork can be found in public and private collections throughout the world.

My Creative Philosophy:
The Poetry of Light & Color

"During my work in architecture, I felt deeply connected to the arts. But I truly discovered my passion when I began to explore oil painting. For me, the process of creating begins with a scene that I feel carries a certain energy and evokes an emotion. I find myself drawn to subject matter with rich colors or intriguing light. The vignettes of everyday life that inspire me to paint, regardless of whether it's a landscape, figurative work, cityscape, or portrait. It is my primary goal to have each artwork I create resonate with energy and the poetry of light. I follow my own 'rule' of painting what is truly important to me and feel very fortunate to be able to share that with all those who support and appreciate my work. There is nothing more gratifying than knowing that my work, which is so important to me, is appreciated by others."