Michele Zuzalek

Michele Zuzalek
Contemporary Abstracts and Landscapes
My paintings are the beginning of a story—a setting that is somewhat recognizable and familiar, but leaves room for the story to be discovered by the viewer. Whether it feels magical and beautiful, or oppressive and ominous, is up to the viewer.
Many of my paintings are abstract landscapes that reflect parts of nature. I’m interested in the worn and weathered elements found in the environment with a focus on color, texture, and pattern.
With an approach to painting that is spontaneous and intutive, I begin to apply multiple layers of paint. The begining stages develop as I randomly scrape, erase, and add markings to the surface.
My artistic influences have been Richard Diebenkorn, for his colors and composition, and Egon Sheille for his directness, expressionist idiom, and how he conveys his most intimate thoughts and private visions. I have a special affinity with the work of the Early American Modernists - in particular, Marsden Hartley and Arthur Dove. I am a graduate of the Art Center College of Design.
I studied painting privately with Jack Lynwood, Tom Wudl, Harry Carmean, Lorser Feitelson, and Leo Carrillo. My art is found in private collections internationally, and recei...

Art Center College of Design
BFA

I have had numerous art exhibits in Santa Barbara CA and Los Angeles CA
I am a member of the Abstract Art Collective Group in SB
And
Abstract10 a women’s art group in Santa Barbara CA


EXHIBITIONS & AWARDS
2026
Open Studio Washinton DC Union Market
2025
Open Studio Washington, DC
2023
Palette 22 Group Exhibition
2021
10 West Gallery Santa Barbara
Group exhibition
2020
Sullivan Goss 100 Grand Exhibit
2019
Abstract Art Collective Exhibit
2018
Sullivan Goss 100 Grand Exhibit
2017
SB Studio Artists Tour - Reception 10 West Gallery
Casa Gallery "A Parade of Horses" Group exhibit
ArtSee Art at the JCC Group exhibit
Abstract Art Collective Juried Exhibit Channing Peake Gallery - Honorable Mention
2016
Sullivan & Goss 100 Grand Exhibit
MichaelKate Interiors ‘Tethered-5 Abstract Artists’
SBMA Off the Wall Auction
2015
Art at the JCC Black & White and Shades
First Place Juror Larry Feinberg SBMA
Second Place Juror Peter Frank Art Critic Huffington Post
Sullivan Goss 100 Grand Exhibit
Abstract10 Group Exhibit at MichaelKate Interiors
2014
Sullivan and Goss 100 Grand Exhibit
SBMA Off the Wall Auction
2013
Michael Kate Interiors Funk Zone Exhibit
2012
Santa Barbara Tennis Club Exhibition
2011
Hospice of Santa Barbara Leigh B...