"Higher" Painting

Michelle Gates is an emerging artist based in Krugersdorp, South Africa, known for her poetic approach to realism. Her journey began as a child, as she grew up in a close relationship with the natural world. Enthralled by encounters with all sorts of creatures and captivated by the beauty found in her environment, she passionately explores the natural world and transforms wonder into meaningful art.

Through deliberately staged compositions and an emotional, rather than literal palette, she manipulates realism to evoke spiritual and psychological resonance; using mostly watercolour or oil paint. Each piece reflects an ongoing dialogue between her conscious intentions and subconscious impulses, leading to a fusion of aesthetically pleasing elements.

Her work explores the symbolic and deeper meaning of nature’s own language, which is communicated through shapes, colours and rhythm. A lifelong devotion to sharing her observations and experiences with others, in a meaningful way, has led Michelle to transfer what is not easily said: a dance between artist and subject, beauty and meaning, form and feeling.

To her, painting is a quiet act of honoring the Creator. This pursuit allows her to provide a unique view of the wonderful world we live in – an approach that invites viewers to embark on their own introspective journeys, encouraging them to slow down, to glimpse into hidden marvels, inviting them to stay awhile, to look again and to re-connect with their surroundings.