Michelle BELAK

Michelle is a British-born artist based in two countries - UK and Spain - with working studios in both. Trained in design at the University of Reading, she began her career in the creative department of a London publishing company, later leaving her job to become a full-time artist in 1986. In 1996 she was awarded the prestigious "Socio di Merito" by the Accademia Internazionale D'Arte Moderna in Rome and was identified as “one of the most promising talents amongst contemporary impressionists” by the Darvish Collection (USA). Since then she has exhibited widely throughout Europe and the United States, and her paintings can now be found in private collections throughout Europe, USA, Australia, Canada & South America.  

Although Michelle paints a wide range of subject matter, over the years she has become increasingly sought out for her portrait work. Her gift lies in painting her subjects in relaxed poses – often just fleeting moments – yet at the same time capturing the essence of who these people really are. She works from photographs, often using many different images as a reference, taking, for example, a gesture from one, or an expression from another. Sometimes these photographs are supplied directly by a client, but mostly Michelle takes them herself on a personal visit / photo shoot - which is also an opportunity to discuss the mood of the painting and ensure that the finished work truly reflects the personality of the sitter.

Her most recent work includes wedding portraits - timeless paintings that delight brides and their families alike, capturing “the perfect moment in a perfect day.”