"It was a great experience to sit for Michele and I have to say that I was unprepared for how emotional an experience it was to see the painting again—emotional because Reiko was so much younger, and because we appear as we have so often in different moments—on a river or in a park. Michele didn't freeze the moment so much as suspend it for us for that fraction of a second."
—Pamela
Michele LiCalsi graduated from New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts and has enjoyed a longstanding career as an artist, art conservator, and teacher. Michele has worked in Italy, Turkey, and the United States. She has taught courses in drawing and in fresco, oil, and acrylic painting, with an emphasis on expression through color.
To expand her craft, Michele has traveled throughout Europe studying the Old Masters. Her educational and professional background has provided her with a broad range of knowledge and skills. Her art reflects the deep influence of the work of these great artists. Besides accurately recording her subject’s outer appearance, Michele’s particular talent remains in sensing the inner self, allowing us to perceive a person’s character, rather than merely recognizing his or her likeness. Michele has enjoyed observing and drawing the human figure all her life. Her paintings capture the true character of the sitter with unerring instinct and in-depth understanding.
Michele currently lives in New York City. She accepts commissions from around the world and travels widely to meet with clients.
