Michele Manning Pastel Impressionist Cityscapes Still Life Portraits - An award-winning American Impressionist with French roots, Michele finds her passion in depicting France (Paris, Provence and Toulouse (sunflowers!), Northern California, including the Bay Area and Napa Valley. She also does commissioned portraits of pets, people and homes. Her vibrant colors and lively technique evoke the true beauty and life of her subjects.
As an impressionist, I’m fascinated with the qualities of light and the way it glorifies objects. Even in pastel landscapes, my work tends to be figurative as I play with the color in reflections and shadows of architecture, grapevines, fountains, etc. I prefer a character study to the long view.
I search the Bay Area and France for images that excite me, taking my own reference photos and sometimes doing location studies. My trip to France in 2001 was especially inspiring. In my beautiful studio in Berkeley I draw freehand in charcoal on colored paper and finish in soft pastel.
The brilliant colors, lively texture and ease of application of this medium allow me to create a surface energy which captures the vibrancy of the City and nature. My goal is simply to express the beauty I see all around me in a direct and truthful manner and to enjoy the process. I do commissioned portraits of adults, children, pets, homes and travels (from photographs - yours or mine, color or B&W).
Please check out my web site for examples. And if original work is not in your budget today, please consider the limited-editions I offer. These include my economical signed color copies on acid-free paper and my highest quality Giclée Fine Art Prints on watercolor paper or canvas, and enjoy the fruit of my joyful labor.
I Invite you to view a sampling of my works of art: - Michele Manning Art Gallery
To see my complete Internet Gallery of original art works visit my web site: www.michelemanning.com