Michelle Vargas is a Filipino watercolor artist living and working in New Jersey. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a major in Advertising, an education that strengthened her appreciation for visual communication, storytelling, and creative expression.
While art has always been an important part of Michelle’s life, she found her way back to watercolor in 2021. What initially started as a personal creative escape gradually became a meaningful and dedicated artistic pursuit. She fell in love with the medium’s transparency, movement, and unique ability to convey light, atmosphere, detail, and emotion.
Michelle draws inspiration from nature, wildlife, and the simple beauty found in everyday life. Through her paintings, she hopes to encourage viewers to slow down, notice the world around them, and discover moments of beauty and wonder. Her work combines a love of realism with imagination and narrative, often reflecting ideas of connection, perseverance, and personal growth.
Her artwork has been featured in juried exhibitions and has earned recognition, including Second Place in the Associate Division of the New Jersey Watercolor Society’s 2026 Annual Juried Exhibition.
You can find more about her artwork here: https://mvwatercolor.wixsite.com/mvwatercolors
Artist Statement
“I create watercolor pieces inspired by nature’s quiet beauty, focusing on the small, fleeting moments that evoke a sense of calm and connection. My work is driven by inspiration that often comes unexpectedly, drawn especially to scenes that move me emotionally. What captures my attention most are the delicate details of animals, particularly their eyes, and the subtle elegance of flowers. These elements spark a deeper feeling that I strive to convey in every painting.
In my art, I don’t simply portray a subject; I paint the emotion behind it. Through my technique, I aim to translate the feelings that a moment in nature awakens within me, inviting viewers to experience their own moments of joy, peace, or connection. If my work offers even a single moment of these sensations to someone else, I believe I have accomplished my purpose.”
New Brunswick Art Salon 2026 – Watercolor and Mixed Media “Liquid Layers” Exhibition
Education
University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
BFA, Major in Advertising
Exhibitions
Teravarna 13th Animal International Juried Art Competition
Annual Associate and Signature Members Show
Artocalypse 2025 End of Year Artist Feature
Professional Affiliations
New Jersey Watercolor Society- Member
Contact
Website: https://mvwatercolor.wixsite.com/mvwatercolors