Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Courier.
Hi Michelle , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was raised by an Artist/ Art professor Father who was a painter, printmaker, ceramic artist. I started selling my paintings at the age of 16 and got into my first gallery in Mildland, MI at the age of 20 and also won Best of Show at an all area exhibit in MI at that age. I attended The University of Mi and have my BFA in painting. I have always been a gallery artist having other galleries represent my work. At the age of 50 I decided to try my hand at opening my own gallery that I called Westward on Tennyson and 44th. I was born and raised in Mi and ever since my Father drove the family with his paintings in the back of a very large Chevy Van in 1974, I have always felt at home in the West. I ran Westward from 2016-2023 and also represented over 30 local CO artists. I had a 3000 foot gallery on the corner with all windows. My 700 foot studio was connected to the gallery. I learned how to hang work, do lighting, and market. I am happy to say that it was a very successful gallery, but when the lease came up in 2023 I decided that I wanted to go back to a home studio and focus on my own work instead of running myself into the ground as they say. My husband Tony, and I moved to a 1906 Victorian house in Loveland, CO and have since learned that it used to be a gallery years ago! kismet as they say!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think that in life no matter what you do there are bound to be ups and downs and it has been that over the years. I was a struggle to pay the high rent for a business as rent has gotten way out of hand in my opinion here in CO.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint in acrylic on canvas. I paint a variety of subjects such as landscapes and portraits,, but am most known for my paintings of Lake Tahoe, CA. My work looks very photorealistic far away yet impressionistic with many dabs of bright color close up.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Just keep your head down and focus on your craft. stay away from wasting time on social media although social media is a great marketing tool. use it and post and put your phone away. got to coffee shops and ask if they hang work! Most in CO do. don’t worry about ” finking ” your style. it will come to you
Pricing:
- $400- $14,000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.westwardgallery.com and https://www.michelletcourier.com/
