I'm always on an adventure, traveling, sailing, hiking, exploring, to find inspiration for my artwork. I don't need 4 walls to have an art studio. My studio is mobile. I travel with an easel and various art supplies so I never miss any opportunity to create art. Residing in Charleston, SC, I am surrounded by stunning architecture, marshes, wildlife and tropical plants... from dockside to plantations and sand to sea. I never run out of inspiration. I’ve known since I was a small child that I was an artist. During recess, I would drag all my art supplies outdoors. While the other children played, I drew. This was my novice attempt at painting Plein Air. At the age of 10, I was asked to paint the homecoming banner for the high school football team. I believe that’s when my love for painting large murals began. At the age of 15, I was accepted into the SC Governors School for the Arts. My final year in high school, I was offered an art scholarship, to which I declined. I made a choice to pursue a life in a missionary type field, but I worked as a freelance artist to support myself. My work included portraits, murals, graphics (before the age of computer graphics, I designed ads for the Yellow Pages and other print companies) and signs. I loved being challenged! I was also very involved in various projects for Piccolo Spoleto, an Italian arts festival that takes place in Charleston annually. Through the years, I’ve worked side by side and learned from some incredibly talented professional artists. To these ones, I credit my growing skills. I will never stop learning. Recently, I began creating videos to document my life as an artist. Follow me on my YouTube Channel and I will introduce you to this beautiful city (and wherever else my nomadic spirit carries me) with my "Traveling Easel" in tote! I'll share with you my life as a professional artist and muralist, what art supplies I recommend, testing and exploring new art products, how to paint and draw, as well as my favorite art tricks and techniques. All of my artwork will be available to purchase, whether originals or in print from Fine Art America and Etsy. So grab your brushes and paints and come join me as I "Paint the Town with My Traveling Easel"! Explore your inner artist and create with me!
-Michele Levani Charleston Artist
