Biography
(Above: With an Art Therapy student at Eastern Virginia Medical School)
Michele Barnes was born in Los Angelos, California and raised in New York. She attended Queens College, C.U.N.Y. and received a BA in Biology and a BA in Studio Art. Her interests in science and art strongly influenced her art. The study of botany, especially, shows in early drawings, and prints such as monotypes, drypoints and etchings.
After relocating to Virginia Beach, Virginia she attended Virginia Commonwealth University and received a Masters. She also began studying the art of Encaustics. Molten beeswax with pigment and damar resin (a hardening agent) are painted on a heat resistant surface. The luminosity and intense color are characteristics that drew Michele to the medium. Her works vary from themes of nature to the abstract. Encaustic painting is her passion.
Michele also studied Western Calligraphy extensively. She studied with world reknown calligraphers and her mentor is Patricia Buttice. The written word is created in beautifully designed forms reflecting the traditions of calligraphy and expressive fluidity.