Flamingo Life: A Visit With Artist Rachel Michelle

Is creativity an innate part of being human? I believe so, though it doesn't emerge the same way in every person. Nor does the flower of a creative spirit always bloom at the same stage of life for each of us. Some take to music, art or literature when quite young. I have seen many others for whom taking up a new arts interest--acting or painting or learning to play a mandolin--becomes a new adventure much later in their years. Rachel Michelle is one of these.

I became aware of Rachel Michelle's art via photographer Gary Firstenberg, who in 2021 introduced me to the artist Wyland. This past month I was informally put in contact with Rachel Michelle, a friend of Wyland's who shows and sells some of her paintings in Wyland's Florida galleries. 

Now I introduce her to you.

EN: What inspired you to take up painting later in life? 
Rachel Michelle: I had been doing some graphic design on the computer for my brand, Flamingo Life, when I met Wyland, the famous Marine Life Artist. He suggested I try painting them. I told him I wasn't an artist and he said to give a shot, so I did. Much to my surprise, it wasn't horrible. It wasn't great either, but I really enjoyed it and kept at it. Within just a few months, I had improved greatly. So much that Wyland asked me if I wanted to display my art at his gallery for an art show. 

EN: 

What were some of the challenges you faced when you first started painting and how did you overcome them? 

RM: I am a perfectionist, so I want every painting to be perfect, but it's nearly impossible. I also had to learn to loosen up and paint more with feeling instead of technique. 

EN: What are some of the things you enjoy most about painting? 

RM: Painting is the best therapy. I am so happy when I'm painting. I feel like a whole new world has opened up for me. I see everything in a whole different light now. Like, when I look at the sky, I look at the clouds and think how I'd paint them. 

EN: What are some of the things you find challenging about painting? 

RM: Deciding when the painting is finished. I can forever add detail. I'm always thinking about the next painting, too. I can't wait to get started on a new one. 

EN: What motivated you to paint flamingos as a theme in your work? 

RM: I own the trademark, Flamingo Life, and have loved flamingos for as long as I can remember. Which is why I created the brand. I am hoping to make the Flamingo the official state bird of Florida. I'm actually working on a campaign with a group of people in hopes we can get the lawmakers to submit a bill to make it happen. Our state bird has always been the Northern Mockingbird, in case you are wondering. In making the state bird the Flamingo, we are also hoping to bring attention to the conservation of their habitat, the Everglades. Stay tuned! 

EN: What advice would you give to other people who are thinking about starting to paint later in life? 

Rachel also like parrots.

RM: Definitely GO FOR IT! And don't stop after the first painting if it's not great. I still learn from each and every painting I do. Watch other artists and connect with them as well. Ask them questions and get tips from them. I have met so many great artists since I started and have gotten different tips from each of them. 

EN: What were you doing before you started painting? 

RM: I was a Nurse Informaticist and RN. I worked with Hospital Computer Systems.

EN: Do you sell your work? Where can people see more of your work? 

RM: Yes! Here is my website: https://rachelmichelle.art/

(Not .com) I am also on all the social media. Links are on my website. I have an Etsy page, too: http://www.etsy.com/shop/RachelMichelleArtist

Rachel Michelle with Nevada Bob Gordon