Michelle Gateau: Figurative and Portrait Art

Biography

I was most impressed by a painting of Edouard Manet called “Bulles de Savon”; it looked alive, playful, fun, real… I wanted to do the same.

Once I started painting I quickly realized how truly enjoyable it is to paint faces in oil. It is fun and exciting to represent a person in color.

People often ask me where my paintings are made; they are surprised when I say right here in Southern California. My paintings do often reflect where I grew up. I am from Mauritius, a small island near Madagascar.

After graduating from Brigham Young University I moved to New York to study under renowned artist Burt Silverman. I then moved to SoCal where I continue to paint figurative works and portraits.

The palette I use consists of 9 colors; rarely do I use any more. I also prefer to paint with natural light. I am always looking for potential faces to paint...You could be next!