About Michelle

Originally from southeast Wisconsin, I’ve lived along Chicago’s North Shore for more than 25 years, where my husband, Rick, and I raised our two children. A few years ago, we became snowbirds and now spend our winters in Naples, Florida.

My business name comes from my first and middle names. I was named after the Beatles song “Michelle, my Belle,” which feels fitting, as music has always been a big part of my life and is a constant presence in my studio.

I started Michelle Renée Designs in the early 2000s, designing and constructing women’s accessories. I built a solid business and loved working with vibrant fabrics, but eventually burned out after many long days with my head bent over a sewing machine.

Painting was always calling to me. While I was confident in my design sense and color intuition, I hadn’t yet spent much time at the easel. Just before the pandemic, I took online courses and quickly found my way and my style. Staying at home gave me the chance to dedicate myself fully to painting, and I haven’t looked back.

My work is inspired by the vivid colors found in nature—especially the saturated pinks of bougainvillea, the cool blues of hydrangeas, and the deep golds of sunflowers. Travel fuels my creativity, from the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean. I paint in a representational style with a playful nod to whimsy, each piece capturing my love of color, movement, and the natural beauty that surrounds us.