Michelle Rideout

@: michelle@michellerideout.com
Website: http://www.michellerideout.com

Michelle Rideout was once described by the late writer Alex Haley as having an “internal spirit that is just as genuine as her classic appearance is on the outside.” Her paintings reflect that same genuineness of spirit and serenity. “I am happiest when I am immersed in art; I cannot imagine life without this inspiring career,” says Rideout. “I am inspired to create paintings that reflect God’s wonderful creations in nature. I hope that my paintings add serenity to the lives of all who view them.”

Rideout has been drawing since she was a small child with her artist father, Tommy Thompson, as her favorite teacher. During 15 years of experience as an illustrator with Village Prints, she captured the essence of small town Americana in hundreds of composite pencil renderings. Her prints have often been used for civic fundraisers, raising money around the country and receiving greater prominence through features in national magazines. She was commissioned to draw the homes of record producer Sam Phillips and author Alex Haley. Next, Rideout turned her attention to the study of watercolor with artist Carolyn Wright of Chattanooga, TN. After moving to Brentwood, TN, in 2004, she progressed to impressionistic landscapes in oil. During the autumn of 2004, she began her study of traditional oil landscapes by participating in two plein air workshops conducted by Nashville artist Jason Saunders. During 2005/06 she expanded her experience by enrolling in several pastel classes conducted by Pat Thompson at Southgate Studio and Fine Art in Franklin, TN. In April 2006 she participated in Colorado artist, Jeanne Mackenzie’s plein air oil workshop in Nashville.  She participated in Dawn Whitelaw’s oil portrait workshop in Franklin, TN, in June 2006. In 2009 Rideout participated in plein air workshops conducted by Roger Dale Brown and Jeremy Doss at Leiper’s Fork, TN.