Biography
Michelle Palatnik is a New York-based figurative painter recognized for her commitment to the craft of portraiture. Her artistic path began with a four-year scholarship to New York University, awarded by Elizabeth Murray. During her time at NYU, she secured a first-place painting scholarship from the Martin Wong Foundation.
Trained under the guidance of experts including Ross Bleckner and Maureen Gallace, Michelle fine-tuned her skills and extended her education with Sharon Sprung at the Art Student's League. She later spent three years at the Grand Central Atelier, immersing herself in the classical methods of realism under Jacob Collins' mentorship.
Michelle's dedication has been recognized with awards such as the Richard C. Pionk Memorial Award at the Salmagundi Club, and she has earned the privilege to be a copyist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This role facilitated a close study of the works of masters, notably Rembrandt's Self Portrait. Michelle has showcased her work in various locations, from Manhattan and Long Island to an international audience in China at Poly International's first American Contemporary Art auction.
Following seven years of rigorous academic and formal training, Michelle established her studio, a space of contemplation and exploration. Engaging deeply in independent studies, she remains on a journey of discovery, continually evolving and finding her voice.
