Michele de la Menardiere uses an abstract language to explore the rich complexity of the physical landscape both around and within her. She paints to be present, and as a cathartic response to her constantly evolving energies and emotions, responding to universal themes such as mortality, beauty, loss, harmony, loneliness, and grace. Through this meditative exercise, each piece becomes an authentic and passionate expression of existing in the moment. She is a highly skilled colorist and is able to creates compositions that are both free-flowing and carefully balanced.Michele studied at Parson's School of Art and Design in Paris, France, and received her BA at Chelsea College of Art and Design in London, England. She has exhibited her work internationally, and is part of the U.S. State Department’s Art in Embassies Program. Her work was selected for three public art commissions in the Washington, DC area – including one for the exterior wall of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and a large-scale art installation in the Crystal City Metro. Her work is in numerous public and private collections including the D.C. Commission for the Arts and Humanities, Archstone Properties, and Westin Hotels.