Michele Usibelli
OPA, AIS, AWA, CAC, LPAPA
Vibrant-Passionate-Captivating.
As the granddaughter of Italian and French immigrants, creativity flows naturally. After earning her Architecture degree from the University of Washington, Michele merged her professional expertise with her love of travel. Her extensive life experiences and global adventures serve as the foundation for her art.
Michele began her artistic journey rooted in the Russian Impressionist tradition, focusing on light and colour through expressive, loose brushstrokes. Influenced by masters like Nicholai Fechin, John Singer Sargent, and William Merritt Chase, she developed her own versatile style. Her work spans genres—from still life and landscapes to cityscapes and figurative pieces—all unified by a consistent voice and distinct application of paint.
Primarily working in oils, Michele also explores acrylics, gouache and watercolour. Her goal is to create original pieces that resonate uniquely with each viewer. Collectors often remark that her work is recognizable “from across the room,” a testament to her artistic identity.
Art provides more than just creative fulfillment; it has connected Michele with collectors, galleries, and fellow artists worldwide. Each painting represents not only a personal achievement but also the beginning of a lasting friendship with those who support her work.
Michele is honoured to have exhibited nationally and internationally, earning awards and having her work included in prestigious collections, including the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Museum of the North and the State of Hawaii. She remains deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue her passion and to contribute beauty to the world through art.
View Michele’s work at: Michele Usibelli Fine Art
Master Class Information
Masterclass #1 Oil
Bringing Life & Energy to Your Paintings
Monday 22 (studio) & Tuesday 23 September (plein air)
Peel Region, Western Australia
This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to learn how to paint expressive and energetic paintings. We will focus on exploring different types of “mark making”, textures and other tools along with brushes, to create interesting paintings. In this workshop we will be painting various subjects such as urban landscapes, florals and water in both the studio and en plein air.
There will be lessons on how to simplify and utilize shapes to capture mood and create expressive paintings. Michele will discuss the very important design elements of composition, drawing & perspective, along with fundamentals to create a successful painting; value, colour, brushwork, temperature and many more!
There will be a focus on understanding colour theory, bringing beautiful colour harmony to all of your work. Students will work from their own photos on day #1 and, weather permitting, we will be painting en plein air day #2. Michele will begin both days with a morning demonstration.
Note: even though this is listed as an oil workshop, the lessons are applicable to all mediums and artists painting in all mediums are encouraged to attend.
Two Days $440
Registrations open 28 February 2025
Includes Morning Tea, BYO lunch
Masterclass #2 Gouache
Creating Successful Plein Air Paintings in Gouache
Thursday 25 & Friday 26 September (plein air)
Peel Region, Western Australia
This workshop is designed to encourage you to explore the diversity of gouache painting en plein air. In this workshop you will discover how to use colour and light effectively to create dynamic, well-designed paintings and how to most effectively work and apply this versatile medium to your plein air (and studio) painting. Gouache is an excellent medium for creating small plein air studies and this workshop will focus on the “process” of creating a painting in gouache.
We will learn how to “see” dynamic composition in the landscape, simplifying shapes and looking for placement to best convey your intention and impressions about the scene. We will discuss how to organize your composition into connected masses and value patterns for a more organized and purposeful design. All elements that are needed to create a successful painting will be explored.
Note: even though this is primarily a gouache workshop, the lessons are valuable to all mediums and artists painting in all mediums are encouraged to attend.
Two Days $440
Registrations open 28 February 2025
Includes Morning Tea, BYO lunch
Masterclass #3
Focal Point First!
Tuesday 30 September (studio)
Mandurah, Western Australia
In this one-day masterclass Michele will talk in depth about her painting process, from initial concept and planning through to actual painting, with a focus on her approach to painting the focal area first.
Also covered will be the importance of negative space, temperature shifts, value shifts, colour saturation, lost and found edges and many other elements necessary to create a successful painting.
One Day $230
Registrations open 28 February 2025
Includes Morning Tea, BYO lunch