A Journey Through Color: Michelle Barillaro’s Abstract Art

Get to know artist Michelle Barillaro from Lenoir City, Tennessee as she prepares to release her latest collection for our upcoming virtual art show!

To Be Featured In:  Fancy That (Nov, 2024)
Learn More & View Work Examples:  Artburst Studios Artist Profile

Michelle Barillaro, an abstract painter based in Knoxville, TN, brings a lifetime of creative exploration to her work. Her passion for art was first sparked in childhood, and though her early career led her to study architecture, painting remained a constant thread. Six years ago, with her daughter nearing the end of high school, Michelle rediscovered her love for painting and dove back into the world of abstract art.

“Explore ideas beyond the physical reality.”

Growing up near the sea in South Florida, Michelle’s art is deeply influenced by the vibrant colors and serene atmosphere of her tropical surroundings. Her work also reflects the natural beauty of East Tennessee, where she has lived since attending the University of Tennessee’s School of Architecture. The contrast between these two environments is evident in her paintings, which blend soft, dreamy compositions with structured, architectural elements.

Michelle finds joy in creating abstract pieces that invite viewers to interpret them in their own way. She works primarily with acrylics or oil and cold wax on wood, using techniques that layer and subtract paint to achieve the perfect balance of color and form. Her process is intuitive and experimental, often involving everyday tools to shape her compositions.

Through her work, Michelle offers a visual journey that blends personal experiences with the boundless possibilities of abstract art, encouraging each viewer to find their own connection within her pieces.

Her latest collection of original pieces will be unveiled at our next virtual art show “Fancy That“, which opens on November 14th at 10am MST. The show will close on November 16th at 4pm MST. Be sure to create your free Collector Account early so you are prepared for the show open!

You can see more of her work at her official website.

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