When people think of Ohio I very much doubt the word “coastal” comes to mind.  How wrong they are!  If you know your geography, then you know much of the northern border of Ohio lies along Lake Erie.  Many people who live in and between Toledo and Cleveland spend their summers boating, swimming, and fishing on Lake Erie.

Many of you know how much I love using coastal inspired artwork to decorate our home.  A few months ago I stumbled upon an extremely talented local artist – Michelle Brunner.  Michelle creates the most beautiful acrylic paintings of coastal Ohio life.  From the moment I saw her bright, colorful and impressionistic style I was hooked.  I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Michelle and we share many of the same passions for home decor, fashion, and a coastal inspired life.   I have been wanting to do a post about her artwork for some time so when Michelle reached out to do a collaboration I was ecstatic!  Below she shares a little bit about herself as an artist!

Growing up I spent my summers on the Lake Erie Islands and along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. I fell in love with the waves, islands and carefree life along the lake.  That feeling of being on the water carried over into my paintings.  My paintings reflect life on the islands.  Hollyhocks along the lake, hydrangeas in front of adorable cottages and sailboats racing across the lake.  I paint these scenes in an impressionistic style using acrylic paint to amplify these restful landscapes.

I have always loved art especially color and line.  Art class was my favorite class in school.  This inspired me to eventually make art education a career.  I received my Bachelors of Science in Art Education at Bowling Green State University and my Masters in Education in Technology from Cleveland State University.  I have taught art for over a decade at Perrysburg High School in the historic town of Perrysburg, Ohio. 

My style is somewhat abstracted and impressionistic.  I like to focus on color and my emotional reaction to a scene.  My paintings are completed mostly by intuitively laying down color and brushstrokes.  My aspiration is to have the viewer experience the joy I felt while painting each subject.  I want to bring the spirit and life of being along the lake into my paintings for my viewers to enjoy.

Michelle and I have teamed up to give one of our lucky followers a spring print of Michelle’s art!  To enter, simply follow us both on Instagram (Michelle/Shannon) and comment what you love most about the coastal life!  Winners will be selected randomly on Thursday!

Be sure to check out Michelle’s website and shop her beautiful prints!

Slàinte,

Shannon