Claudia Michael is an award-winning artist living in Southern New Hampshire. She is a Signature member of the New England Watercolor Society and a juried member of the New Hampshire Art Association.

She is the recipient of three Fulbright travel awards and has painted in several countries including Canada, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, China, Morocco and the U.S. Her work has been exhibited widely in New Hampshire, and her paintings have won numerous awards. Claudia’s paintings are in several private and corporate collections. In 2013 and 2016 Claudia was invited to be an artist in residence at the Arte Studio Ginestrelli, Mount Subasio Regional Park, Assisi, Italy.

An educator for over 40 years, she has taught art and art education in public and private institutions, including K-12, undergraduate and graduate programs. Claudia has also served as a consultant for the College Board, Advanced Placement Studio Art.

Artist Statement

I paint interpretations of color and light using elemental structures as they relate to the landscape. Whether painting plein air in nature or bringing memories and photos into the studio for inspiration, I strive for honesty, I allow an emotional response to influence what I know about painting the natural world.

The conversation begins with what I see paired with the impulses and consequences of paint on the surface. The mental construction of the painting sequence stimulates me to explore and investigate the process, anew each time. Watercolor reacts to the paper surface and is further influenced by air temperature and humidity. Experience and knowledge guide the brush, yet I am always aware of the unexpected behavior of the media. Oil on canvas or board does not have the same challenge but requires thoughtful application of paint to establish the feeling of spontaneity.

My visual narrative reflects the transient qualities of nature and the perception of beauty. The portrayal of the natural world in art has been a metaphor for the temporal existence of humanity since the early Renaissance. My paintings are place specific yet are realizations of personal time and space.