Michelle Purvis

I have been artistic my whole life, but have only been seriously painting for about seven years.  I started at the University of Idaho, in Moscow Idaho, in 2000.  I focused on drawing and art history while I was there; exploring my options in the arts and building lifelong relationships.

I left Moscow after a year and a half and traveled the open roads of the south with seven good friends.   Four of us ended up in Clearwater, Florida in 2003.   In Florida I studied and taught acrylic painting with a company called Rainbow Art and Design.  I produced original acrylic paintings with that group of artists for about a year.      

I love loosing my time in a painting.  When I start a painting I don't plan anything out.  I start with an idea but nothing too concrete.  Sometimes I have a new idea I want to explore, or I elaborate on an idea I have already sold.   The first thing I do is get rid of the white of the canvas by painting a background wash.   That usually sets the mood for the painting.  I paint daily and can't stop...I have tried!  When I'm frustrated, happy, depressed, lonely, excited, nervous... I paint.  It's the only thing I'm comfortable doing.

I am based out of Portland Oregon.  I'm currently selling my art at the Portland Saturday Market under the Burnside bridge Saturday and Sunday, March through December.  You may reach me through my e-mail, or by phone; I will respond as soon as possible.