Artist Bio
Artist Statement/Bio
Mishel Vanderten is a self taught, award-winning, artist with gallery acceptance. Her original works and commissioned pieces are in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and the US Virgin Islands.
In 2002, Mishel began painting on her own in watercolor, her first Koi painting exhibited at a juried show won an award. In 2005, her One-Woman show sold seventy five percent of her original works. Two years later, her original paintings achieved gallery representation in the US Virgin Islands.
Mishel paints contemporary, realistic and abstract, her style portrays tranquility, captivating as it is soothing to the viewer. She’s also known for her impressive color schemes and graceful compositions…effectively merging nature to her canvas.
"While commencing a new subject, I use images from memory and photographs, these are the basis of my compositions and color schemes. I engage myself in the essence of the overall composition, how a feeling allures me and sways my frame of mind. And, while captivated by these senses I portray the inspired feeling onto the piece of work. This is what drives my artistic impulse and goal while creating a painting...to entice the feeling within. I often get comments from those who have obtained my work. What pleases them most is that my art touches their feelings. In fact, they end up telling me how they feel whenever they look at the painting. Am I an emotional painter…could be? My endeavors are to experiment with different mediums in a way that reveals my life experiences in the most creative way."
Born in Brussels, Belgium and a long time resident of California. Mishel currently lives in Sunnyvale, California along with her husband, and their two dogs. Mishel paints from her home studio and finds her inspiration from nature and the places she has traveled as well as the beautiful surroundings where she lives.
Techniques:When painting in watercolor I use 140 pound Arches paper, when thoroughly wet it is attached to a stretched canvas. It is allowed to dry completely before applying paint. I use various techniques of watercolor, allowing the composition to flow over onto the sides of the canvas. After the piece is finished and thoroughly dry, several coats of (krylon) protective spray are applied protecting the piece from dust and UV light. I found this method useful for displaying watercolor paintings without a frame if desired. When working in acrylic and oils I like to use a stretched canvas with staple-free sides, allowing my composition to extend over the sides of the canvas and give the finished piece a clean look. Gesso is used to prime the canvas, allowing a smoother surface to work on. After the painting is finished, I apply several layers of clear varnish to protect the works longevity.Reproductions, museum quality "Giclees" (a French term for sprayed ink) are available. These are on stretched canvas with painted sides and are ready to hang without a frame if desired, and they can also be made in smaller sizes than the original. All original artwork and giclees are equipped with a wire back hanger.
Mishel Vandertenmishel@vanderten.com www.mishel-vanderten.artistwebsites.com 408/743-5863
All originals and reproductions are protected by the 2009 Copyright Law. Reproducing any image in its entirety or in part is forbidden by international Copyright Laws.
