This week the Fine Artist, Michele Usibelli, whose work ranges from landscapes and animals to still life and figurative art. A Washington State native Michele was born in Seattle in 1962 then spent time in Utah and Alaska before returning to Edmonds, WA where she divides her time with another studio in Montana. Michele is the eldest of three children—she has two brothers—to John Hampson (d) a former navy serviceman and realtor, and mother Carol who was a home-maker, pianist and seamstress. Michele’s childhood was spent mostly outdoors and playing sport. She was she says something of a tomboy, and she also followed in her mother’s footsteps by playing the piano and sewing. Michele’s interest in fine drawing led her to study architecture at the University of Washington and pursue corporate architecture. She also worked as Director of Marketing for the National Park Service, which involved extensive traveling. It was while she was on a business trip to Denali, AK that she met her husband, and after raising her three children—Nathan, Jacqueline and Angelina, that Michele returned to her love of art. Aside from painting most of the week, she also teaches workshops. Michele has won numerous awards, including the Silver Medal Award at the prestigious Salmagundi Club, NYC and the UCI Institute and Museum of California Art Award. Her work is in the permanent collection at the University of Alaska Fairbanks/Museum of the North the Brinton Museum/Wyoming, and her painting "First Light, Pioneer Mill Smokestack", was acquired by the State of Hawaii for their permanent collection. Michele lives in Edmonds, Washington State with her husband Mitch. Michele’s website: https://www.micheleusibelli.com/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/micheleusibelliart/ Michele’s playlist: One Eskimo - Kandi, Amazing Amos Lee-Windows Are Rolled Down Lord Huron - The Night We Met Two Feet - Winter Alt J - U&ME BORNS - God Save Our Young Blood Dennis Loyd - Nevermind Absofacto - Dissolve Moby - Love of Strings BORNS - Man Two Feet - Quick Musical Doodles Sir Sly - High Michael Kiwanuka - Love & Hate Michele’s favorite female artists:Susan WoolgarKellie WeeksAbigail GuttingIngrid ChristensenWendy Conklin/UpholsteryAnnie LeibovitzMary Cassatt (d)Berthe Morisot (d) Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramAART on FacebookEmail: hollowellstudios@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.