Michelle Buser

Mar 9

Biography

Richmond, Virginia–based mixed-media artist Michelle Buser has been creating for as long as she can remember. A lifelong artist and professional graphic designer, she earned her B.A. in Visual Arts and Technology with a concentration in Graphic Design and Communications from George Mason University, just outside Washington, D.C. Though she has always drawn, Michelle began painting in 2019 as a self-taught painter, expanding her creative practice into fine art and portraiture.

Michelle’s work explores the intersections of human experience, romanticism, nature, and portraiture. Her mixed-media approach bridges realism and emotion — advocating for the external beauty of individuality while embracing the deeper connection born from shared human experiences. Through themes of vulnerability, empowerment, and strength, she invites viewers to reflect on the balance between one’s inner self and the surrounding world.

The concept of “connection” is central to her art. Her acclaimed portrait series Soul and her new oil painting collection Dolce Far Niente embody her belief in the importance of self-reflection and harmony with nature. For Michelle, painting is both a therapeutic journey and an act of storytelling — a visual dialogue about what it means to feel deeply and live authentically.

Working across a variety of media including acrylic, inkwash, graphite, charcoal, pastel, and conte, Michelle often integrates tactile materials such as beading, foil, and fabric textures, blending fine art with elements of culture and fashion. She also works in printmaking, digital art, and photography, extending her creative language across multiple forms.

Michelle curated her debut exhibition Reclamation (2019) in Culpeper, VA, a show centered on body acceptance and the reclamation of self. After relocating to New York City, she exhibited in several notable spaces including Brooklyn Art Cave, Caelum Gallery, The East Village Art Collection, and The Parlor Manhattan. Her work has appeared in Bleucalf Magazine (Vol. 4) and earned her the Artists of Today Grant. Now based once again in Richmond, Michelle continues to develop her evolving body of work — one that celebrates the power of connection, healing, and the beauty found within human stories.

Artist Statement

Portrait Series of “Souls”

“The Eyes are the window to the soul.”

People relate to each other more than they know. However, it is more common to spot differences. That is likely the root of all the problems we see in today’s society.

Michelle’s works are philanthropic pieces of art that promote an idea of ‘connection’ that aims to bring out people’s humanity and empathy in her audience more: “…[A] connection to each other as one”. And it could be the only solution to all of the challenges and problems we are facing in today’s society.

Connection. This is what Michelle’s portraiture is all about. Michelle selects a figure that inspires her to imbue emotions and feelings into her portraitures. By focusing solely on human expression, Michelle eliminates judgment, fear, prejudice, and many social issues. Just by painting the human figure’s face, Michelle's works guide the audience to focus on the figure’s expression to let it inspire people to observe, feel, and perhaps resonate with their emotions.

Her intention calls the audience to pay attention to each painting and spark their empathy. Michelle’s works are mediums to serve as a reminder of the audience’s own past, hoping for them to reach a degree of resolution or reconciliation: “…maybe it serves as a reminder in your home of what you’ve overcome or simply…the sweetness of life…[or] gives a sense of appreciation”.

“Whether it’s toughness or sadness, a childlike absentmindedness or joy, I hope it reminds people that we’re all the same at heart and people deserve that chance to be greeted with compassion first.”

The oil series “The Sweetness of Doing Nothing / The Art of Leisure“

In the oil series of “Dolce Far Niente,” Michelle’s work embraces a simple and balanced life by painting nature as a subject with daydreamy and nostalgic feelings.

Growing up in a small town in Virginia, nature has been a huge spiritual influence on Michelle. These have been a core life force for Michelle to hold onto while she was working in DC - where intense workaholic cultures are considered a source of pride. However, such culture may overrun one’s balance in life and thus contribute to a disconnection between one’s self and social life.

From the experience of living two different lives in different living environments, Michelle urges her audience to value more on a spiritual connection to one’s self and other people. Instead of prioritizing societal norms and their harmful byproducts, Michelle highlights the idea of ‘doing nothing‘ but committing to knowing their inner self and being aware of their connection to the outward environment - with the world. Such inspiration came from her travel in Italy, the origination of the phrase where they live.

Painting nature as an art piece may be a blend idea. However, as for its nature, that is what art is. Michelle uses nature as an element to proclaim that being close to nature is essential, and that very idea extends to an idea of people revisiting themselves to feel colorful, dreamy, romantic, and nostalgic. For Michelle, it is a serenity to paint them.