“I try to be attentive, as I walk through life. It’s a spiritual thing for me, as well as an artistic thing. I see inspiration as God’s gift to humanity. You just have to be open to it and tap into it. Painting is my way of saying ‘Amen’ visually, of saying I’m in agreement with the beauty and mystery of this world.”

Those “amens” have not gone unnoticed by art lovers, who eagerly collect the paintings Michelle Dunaway creates, paintings in which she skillfully shares her love of the world—its people and its land. In each, she finds stories waiting to be told, beauty waiting to be shared.

Michelle Dunaway (California)

Her Mother’s Locket
Oil
16″x20″
“I was so captivated with this little girl’s personality. She had a very soulful countenance and maturity beyond her years that I was excited to capture in paint, as she sat nestled in her mother’s arms. She was completely enthralled with this locket so, after I spent a couple of days with her gathering reference for the portrait, I gave her a silver locket for her to keep. She was very excited to say the least.”

Michelle Dunaway (California)

Best Friends
Oil
12″x16″
“I was visiting my friend, actress Jane Seymour, at her home, and this is her granddaughter Willa. She was looking out the window, playing and talking with her little stuffed bear. I was inspired with this display of innocence. Also, as an artist, I visually loved the little blue stars decorating her nightgown and couldn’t wait to paint them.”