Gretchen Michaels

Medium: Reversed painted Acrylic Panels
Studio: C Sharp Studio,
11647 73rd Place NE
Phone: 206.949.8357

Website

I began painting on glass panels because I wanted to create industrial modern, contemporary art. After discovering the limitations of working with glass I researched plastics. I discovered acrylic panels, which look amazingly like glass, and began using them as my main painting canvas. The medium I employ is just as important a part of my artistic style as the paint itself. The integration of unexpected materials and the free floating effect of my framing style is characteristic of my work. The light reflection and shadowing cast by my framing method adds depth and complexity to each art piece.

My actual painting is done in "reverse" as I paint on the back side of the acrylic panel. Unlike painting on canvas where the first painted layers get covered with each additional layer of paint, you see my first layers, then less of each additional layer. When the artwork is mounted using my custom built frames, you are looking at the paint through the acrylic panel. Many layers of paint create the final effect.

There are three principal methods I use to paint:

• The additive method in which paint is added or built up onto the back side of the acrylic panel. After a layer is dry, I paint subsequent layers until I’m happy with the final effect and the entire surface is covered with paint.

• The subtractive method where the entire back side of the acrylic panel is covered with a thin layer of pigment, then worked by removing some of the pigment with brushes, rags, combs, sticks, or other tools.

• The third is a combination of the two above.

I’m inspired from a wide variety of things including my many hobbies. Aside from my artwork, I am an avid surfer, runner and wine lover. I cherish spending time with my husband and daughter, especially playing outdoors or traveling to new and far away places.

I specialize in abstract and contemporary design in both art and interior design. I continually strive to perfect my craft and learn new techniques or make up my own. I hold a B.A. from San Diego State University and studied abroad for one year in Norway.

I am currently a resident artist at Red Sky Winery in Woodinville. I also show selected works at The Wine Shoppe at Redmond Ridge in Redmond, Washington. My works are currently in private collections in California, Washington, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Ohio and New York.