I love swimming. I love the feel of my body sliding through the water. I love the world below the water and the distortions in line, shape, and colour it creates. When I first saw pastel paintings by Michele Poirier Mozzone, I was fascinated by her perspective of looking up through the water at the world above the water’s surface. Her paintings are based on reality yet move towards abstraction in their use of distortions of colour, shape, and line.
A couple of years ago, I featured one of these from-below-the-surface paintings, These Changes I, in a roundup blog. A year later, in another round-up, I wrote about one of her underwater figures. I knew I wanted her as a guest artist but as she was being featured in the Pastel Journal followed by International Artist magazine, I waited for some time to pass before approaching her. Luckily for us, she said yes to my invitation!
Don’t know her work? Here’s a teaser…
Before handing over the blog to Michele, here’s a bit about her.
Michele Poirier Mozzone – Bio
Massachusetts artist, Michele Poirier Mozzone, has garnered awards and international attention for her “Fractured Light” series of paintings featuring the figure as it is immersed and influenced by water and sunlight. Michele holds a Signature Member designation from the Pastel Society of America (PSA) and a Master Circle designation from the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS/MC). A popular instructor of pastel painting workshops throughout southern New England, Michele also regularly teaches for the Rhode Island School of Design’s Continuing Education Program and the Providence Art Club.
You can read more on her website.
And now, here’s Michele Poirier Mozzone!
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In my “Fractured Light” series of work, I pair my dual interests of figurative imagery and
The motivation behind this body of work is twofold. First, it allows me to paint what I love – the figure. Second, this series gives me the opportunity to explore areas of pure abstraction that exist naturally in turbulent, sunlight-drenched water. I find this unique atmosphere extraordinary.
The idea for this series came about in 2012 after a fruitless foray into abstract painting and an afternoon photographing my daughter in our pool. I found the underwater distortions and play of light remarkable. I decided it couldn’t hurt to try painting her figure into some of my abstract pastel pieces and the results were fresh and exciting. I won an important award with one of my very first pieces and knew I was onto something.
Modelled on my daughters, friends, and even myself, the figures in this series are not meant to be readily identifiable as individuals. Rather, they provide an opportunity for viewers to place themselves within the context of my paintings. In doing so, they experience broken ribbons of sunlight, fascinating distortions, sounds of rushing bubbles, and the weightless, slow dance of movement which all occur below the water’s surface.
Some of the paintings in “Fractured Light” are highly rendered and representational. The paintings I showcase here are all from the perspective of below the surface looking at the figure above the water. This view, in particular, is more abstract providing me with the opportunity to fully explore passages of broken reflection, watery patterns, dramatic
My paintings in the group called “These Changes” represent a personal, cathartic journey. I wrote what was on my mind directly onto the layers of pastel as I worked – some of it is still evident in the finished pieces, but most
My process begins with video footage I take with a GoPro camera in our backyard pool. I then search frame-by-frame for an image that strikes me as a potential painting.
Sketchbook-ball point pen 
Sketchbook-ball point pen
The palette I will use depends on the mood I am trying to create. My pastel collection is comprised of many wonderful brands: Girault, Terry Ludwig, Unison Colour, Schmincke, Great American, Mount Vision, Diane Townsend, NuPastel, Richeson, etc. Working on UART 400 grit sanded pastel paper, I begin with a light sketch in pastel pencil, then
There is no formula for my underpainting
Once dry, I build passages of soft pastel, while leaving bits of underpainting to peek through to add interest, texture, and dimension. Skin tone usually requires many layers of pastel to achieve the desired effect of warm and cool underwater shadows and lights. On the other hand, the surrounding water and abstract reflections often retain more of the original underpainting.
My reference photos are predominantly blue so I try to push the palette away from the familiar and stretch its possibilities. Paying attention to how
The closer a painting is to completion, the more my work becomes intuitive and less reliant on the original reference. Although each piece starts with preparatory thumbnail sketches, I am always surprised by the finished product. They each take on a unique personality and story despite my planning.
Each year I wonder if this series will continue to evolve and hold my interest. It is a scary proposition to contemplate running out of inspiration with a series that has gained attention and been personally fulfilling. Of course, I find inspiration in other subject matter and enjoy taking a break from “Fractured Light” to explore other areas. But every year as I accumulate more reference footage, I am assured that my fascination with the figure and the ever-changing beauty of water is a constant. And to realize that it is okay, in fact preferable, to let the series change direction, branch off into something new, and to give
The latest development for me has been translating this series into oil paint. I had not consistently painted with oil since college, so I found it slow and frustrating at first. I could not seem to achieve the vivid color that pastels so beautifully produce until I started to think about applying the oil paint like pastel.
We pastelists become very aware of the power of each stick – the value and relative temperature and its immediate effect when we pick it up to use in our painting. Because we don’t mix, we have to choose thoughtfully, layering colors within the same value and altering color temperature for desired effect. It becomes second nature.
With oil paint, my desired effect eluded me until I began with a base color of burnt orange and consciously asked myself, “What color in my pastel box would I choose for this?” and then mixed that color to apply on top. I repeated this process, varying color and temperature within the same values, leaving bits of the burnt orange to peak through, and found that my oil paintings came to life. I think they now compliment their pastel counterparts well because my thought process and working methods are similar.
Within the paintings that make up “Fractured Light,” water is representative of life and change. Bubbles are placeholders for the ideas and intentions that rise from individuals to the open air. Each figure can be interpreted as reacting to an unseen moment in this surreal, wet world. Through the interchange of
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So tell me those aren’t gorgeous, colourful, vibrant explorations in soft pastel!! What do you think of the work of Michele Poirier Mozzone? And what about her process? We’d love to hear what you think! So please leave a comment with feedback or a question for Michele.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Until next time,
~ Gail
59 thoughts on “Michele Poirier Mozzone – From Below The Surface”
Michele Poirier Mozzone is so exciting..love her work. Thanks for sharing her.
I totally agree Angela!! I’m so delighted she’s here on the blog.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Angela. Many thanks!
Michele
Very special indeed ! I am fascinated by the intimacy that glows from these paintings. Thank you very much to the artist and the blogger.
And yes, they do glow!! Thank you Geneviève
What a wonderful comment, Genevieve, thank you!
Michele
Wow! Thank you for introducing me to this colorist and her inspiration, process and journey into oils.
You are so welcome Debb! I loved reading about Michele‘s journey too 😊
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Debb. Thanks for leaving the kind words.
Best,
Michele
I really liked reading about Michele’s work and the step by step photos of the process is invaluable for beginners to pastels.
Thanks to you for such a lovely blog for pastellists!.
I am also a big fan of your pastel paintings and look forward to more of such informative posts.
Madhumita thanks so much for your lovely comments both about Michele’s post and my work. I’m so glad you are finding the blog informative! 😁
Thank you, Madhumita. I agree – Gail is a creative powerhouse – as talented with the pen as she is with the pastel stick!
Michele
😊💓
as usual absolutely stunning work. i’m proud to own one of Michelle’s gorgeous paintings that i treasure
Ohhhhh Jeri you are so lucky to have one of Michele’s beautiful pieces!!
Jeri!
Thank you for the sweet comment. It’s so flattering to that you have one of my pieces.
Michele
Love these under water paintings. All are beautiful combinations of light & color while also including the human form. Thanks Gail & Michele!
Ruth these are the things I love about Michele’s work too, that they include colour and the human figure! Glad you enjoyed her post 😊
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the blog, Ruth! Thanks for the lovely comments.
Michele
Wonderful!
Really enjoyed reading the whole process and the feelings and thought that goes into all the strokes. Particularly interesting was the way Michelle combined the way she does pastel and incorporated that into her oil paintings as well.
Thank you for sharing such a phenomenal artist with us!
Laurie Rapoza
Laurie you are sooooo welcome. It was my pleasure and treat to feature Michele and her stunning work. Like you, I love the way she seamlessly appears to move between pastel and oil using the same subject.
Dear Laurie,
Thank you very much for the kind words. I’m glad enjoyed reading about my process of translating the series into oil.
Michele
Michele, your work is absolutely gorgeous. It brings me back to my childhood when swimming underwater was the norm as opposed to swimming on the surface.
I am curious as to what type of camera and how you photographed your reference photos. Or, could I use my Iphone in a waterproof case?
Thank you!
Lois
Hi Lois, loved that you shared your childhood experience of swimming below the surface. Thank you!
And I’ll let Michele answer your questions.
Hi Lois,
Thank you for the lovely comment!
I use a GoPro camera which can be used underwater, but you could also try your smartphone in a waterproof case. I did that before the GoPro and the resulting photos were ok – not as clear as the GoPro. Of course, that was 7 years ago and phone cameras have improved greatly. Maybe you will love the results! Good luck and thanks again.
Best,
Michele
Very inspirational demo and story. For me, her work is visually poetic. Thank you for sharing!
Sandy thanks for sharing your thoughts about Michele’s work. And I’m in total agreement about the poetic nature of her paintings.
I’m so happy to hear that you found the blog a source of inspiration, Sandy. Many thanks for the kind words.
Michele
Thanks Michelle for a wonderful blog—gorgeous work and it’s so interesting to see your process. I especially appreciated your comments about a long preoccupation with a series, as I have had the same experience and it’s nice to hear your thoughts on evolving inspiration. Look forward to what comes next!
Jeanne thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I also appreciate Michele’s committment to an ongoing series and can see how that resonates with you with your own deep work on one theme! I too am curious to see where Michele’s work goes in the future.
Hi Jeanne,
Thanks very much for the kind words. I am sure you can relate to the ups and downs of working in the same series over many years. As an artist whose work I admire, it is good to know you have dealt with the same issues.
Warmly,
Michele
So amazing! Her use of color is masterful.
Thanks for sharing.
Amazing indeed!!! And agreed about Michele’s use of colour. Thanks for dropping by Pam!
I appreciate the lovely comment, Pam, thank you!
Michele
Gail, I always enjoy your blogs, but this one is extra special, as Michele is a friend and an artist I truly admire. Her use of color and abstraction are a joy to view and a source of inspiration. Thanks!
Karole so glad you enjoy the blogs. And wow, yes, I can see how this one is extra special! I do love Michele’s use of colour and abstracted figures. Her work is an inspiration for me too!
Karole,
I really appreciate this lovely comment. Thank you!
Michele
WOW! It makes me want to go underwater to take photos and I can’t even swim!! Says a lot, I think. Wonderful job, Michele, and superb eye, Gail, for spotting her as someone to blog for us!
Elaine, as always, you made me smile 😁 but you’re right, Michele’s paintings do make you want to get in the water to see and feel what she portrays!
Thank you for the great comment, Elaine! I’m so happy to know the blog may have inspired you. 🙂
Michele
A wonderful blog I love Michele’s work…inspiring 👏👏👏
Sooooo good to hear Carolyn!! 💓
It makes me very happy to know my words and images inspired you, Carolyn.
Thank you for the comment.
Michele
I just loved this post. Thank you Gail, for inviting Michelle; and thank you, Michelle, for sharing your art-making process–and your thought process. The abstractions using water are both real and surreal…and are really happy-making. The colors are the colors of summer and happy times and the crazy, abstracted shapes along with the light on them and the water are a perfect combination.
Wendy thanks soooo much for your spot-on description of Michele’s work. It makes me feel happy to read it alongside Michele’s happy-making work!
Thank you very much, Wendy!
Absolutely superb work Michele!
And thank you Gail for highlighting Michele’s paintings.
Thank you both
John & Zoe
So happy you enjoyed seeing Michele’s work. It certainly was my pleasure to bring Michele and her work to you!!
I appreciate the positive feedback, John and Zoe, many thanks!
Gail, thank you for tracking and publishing Mozzone’s work for us all. The blog personally gives me the shot needed to allow more of the florescent and complementary underpaintings to take a more predominant part of my work. Her work is balanced and bold, a pleasure to behold.
Yay Barbara, I love hearing how seeing Michele’s paintings and how she works have inspired your own process. And you are so right in your description of Michele’s work – balanced and bold!
Barbara,
That’s the first time anyone has used “balanced and bold” to describe my work – what a great compliment! Thanks, I’m glad to hear the blog inspired you to go bolder with your own work.
Best,
Michele
I really admired this series when I was first introduced probably by Pastel Journal. It is especially exciting and invigorating to see the ongoing development and exploration of the theme and style over time. What a generous gift to share with us. Of course my curiosity was piqued in reading about the oil paintings so I had to go to her website to compare! Wow, what a body of work. I must say, overall I still prefer those luscious pastels and the oils are wonderful as well. Many thanks to you both.
It’s funny you mentioned the Pastel Journal Jymme. I was about to approach Michele to do a guest blog just as the issue featuring her work came out. I realized I would need to wait as I didn’t want to compete or waterdown her exposure through this favourite magazine of all pastellists (well, english-speaking ones at least). And so, after a long wait, this makes Michele’s presence on HowToPastel doubly sweet!
And like you, I’ve enjoyed seeing the evolution of Michele’s work on this theme.
Jymme,
Thank you for reading the blog and visiting my website. Pastel is near and dear to my heart – glad to hear those pieces in particular speak to you. Your feedback and kind words are much appreciated.
Best,
Michele
Wow, what a great way to deal with these changes. I love Michele’s work. There is so much going on. I can almost smell the swimming pool. My favorite is “These changes V” So bright and colorful.
I was wondering why Michele did this series also in oil paint.
Thank you! Gail for this blog. It is encouraging to see the different stages of the painting by Michele
Mathy glad you enjoyed the blog and found it encouraging. Thanks too for your question. I’ll leave Michele to answer and expand our knowledge of her work and process in oils.
Hi Mathy,
Thank you for the question. Oil painting was the medium I kept meaning to delve into but I hadn’t given it the time it takes to improve and find my voice. Last year a gallery that shows my work offered me a three-person show this past May and asked for oils. It was just the challenge I needed to get serious and immerse myself (pardon the pun) in developing oil paintings that fit within this series. Now I enjoy hopping back and forth between the two mediums.
Thank you for the kind comments and question!
Interesting how these types of deadline and gauntlet throwdown challenges are just what we need to get going!!! So relieved and happy you took this one on!