Meet Michelle Held

We recently connected with Michelle Held and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism comes from the beauty I see around me every day. As a plein air and wildlife artist, I have the privilege of immersing myself in nature and observing its raw, vibrant energy. Traveling and painting in places like Ireland, Italy, and across the U.S. opens my eyes to different landscapes, colors, and atmospheres, filling me with awe and gratitude. There’s an inner strength that grows from these experiences, paired with a passion that’s deepened by sharing it with others through teaching. Passing on what I’ve learned brings a powerful sense of connection and keeps my outlook positive, knowing that art has the power to inspire and uplift.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

With over three decades of experience in the art world, I’ve had the privilege of working in historical restoration, fine faux finishes, and custom murals, each offering unique challenges and rewards. This background allowed me to master various techniques that blend historical accuracy with creative flair, especially when restoring or creating pieces for architectural spaces.

Nine years ago, I transitioned to the Plein Air Circuit, where my love for nature and painting in the open air truly flourished. Teaching and hosting workshops in the U.S. and abroad has been another rewarding aspect of my career. I’ve had the opportunity to share my techniques with other artists, explore the natural beauty of different landscapes, and be part of an ever-evolving artistic community. These experiences have helped shape my artistic voice and connected me with both traditional and modern art practices globally.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Drive and Dedication: Being an artist requires persistence. Every painting teaches me something new, and the challenges keep me pushing forward. This dedication is a commitment to my growth and to the integrity of each piece I create.

Passion and Love: Art isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. My love for plein air and wildlife painting fuels me and keeps me motivated, even on difficult days. This passion is what brings true joy to the creative process and helps me see each canvas as an opportunity to express that love.

Sharing and Encouraging Others: One of the greatest rewards of my journey is being able to share it with others, whether I’m teaching a workshop or mentoring new artists. I believe that encouraging others helps them build confidence and find their own voice.

For those looking to pursue their journey, I’d say: embrace each challenge with dedication, pour love into your work, and seek opportunities to share your knowledge. Art is a lifelong journey—filled with growth, learning, and connection. Stay open to it all, and you’ll find fulfillment beyond what you imagined.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The most influential people in my art career have been a wonderful blend of fellow artists, collectors, leaders in the art community, and, above all, my husband.

My fellow artists have been invaluable—together, we share, collaborate, and lift each other up instead of competing. That camaraderie is priceless and keeps the joy in creating. I’m also grateful for the collectors and passionate leaders and faculty who organize plein air events. Their dedication creates spaces where we artists can grow, learn, and connect, which fuels my inspiration.

But my biggest supporter has been my husband, who has stood by me and believed in my art journey every step of the way. His unwavering encouragement and belief in my work have been a foundation of strength that’s allowed me to pursue this career with confidence and passion.

All these influences combine to remind me that art is not just about creating, but about the people who share in that journey with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.artbymichelleheld.com
• Instagram: Michelleheld717
• Facebook: Michelle Held