Biography
Michelle R. Smith, is a life long resident of Springfield, Illinois, along with her husband Michael "John" and their son Micah. Michelle unleashed her artistic blessings at the age of thirteen and has not put her pencil down since. From stick men to life-like portraits; from blank white pages, to colorful, breathtaking works of art, both Michelle and her work have blossomed into wonderful masterpieces.
"The Drawing Room", in her home, is where it all begins. This room is where her creativity is put to paper formulating lines and shadows. A great deal of Michelle's artwork is a mirrored image of her feelings and emotions.
Michelle's talents are truly God given. With the help of a high school teacher, who saw in her what she had yet to see in herself, Michelle was able to shine and excel with her artwork. Michelle is inspired by life and the matchless works of Charles Bibbs, Brenda Joysmith, WAK, Frank Morrison, Thomas Blackshear and her good friend Barbara Mason. The simple things in life uplift her, like the smile of a child, a bible verse or a striking pose. Encouraged and supported by family and friends, Michelle has hosted quite a few private art showings in the Springfield and Chicago areas. She has won numerous awards for pieces such as "Backyard Bibs', "Picture Day", "Poppie", and "If I Dream", to name only a few. It's a big compliment when someone purchases something you have poured your heart into. It's an even bigger compliment when someone says "God has blessed you with a beautiful talent". As long as she can give her gift, to touch the hearts of those who see it, Michelle has achieved her goals. To express the weight of the world carried by the African American community, to capture life-like portraits of someone' s family member, to show the simplicity of a blooming flower, this is what Michelle is made of.
With the assistance of graphite blended with charcoal, colored pencils and pens and inks, Michelle's works of arts include Portraits, Greeting Cards, Christmas Cards, Original Designs.
Home.....Graphite & Charcoal.....Colored Pencil.....Pen & Ink
Custom Portraits.....Christmas Cards....Red Hat Gallery...A little Note About Me... Up Close & Personal