MICHELLE SCHULZ
ABSTRACT REALISM WILDLIFE PORTRAITS
ARTIST STATEMENT
The eyes are what draws us to the wildlife portraiture of Michelle Schulz. Imploring their gaze upon our own visual sense, they are supplicant with undulating refraction. Their look, so open as if to receive an indefinable grace from us. Michelle Schulz’s own observant gaze as an artist and to a more potent degree, as a believer in the conservation of endangered animals, captures the acute sensation of precariousness and urgent beauty of her wild subjects.
Her use of mixed mediums are set apart when applying classical oil painting techniques, applying cool and warm temperatures of each colour in exactly the right place make her portraits radiate- a dazzling profusion of the potential of survival. The result is electrifying.
After deciding to close her eponymous clothing line, Michelle Schulz took a beat but then dove back into the world of creation. Painting felt organic, meditation with eyes open, the creative process could be so trancelike her father (her biggest champion) would need to remind her to sign her finished canvases. We ask, how, as a painter with tacit imminence over the subject, does one convey an animal’s vulnerability yet preserve their savage dignity? Perhaps it is to abdicate the natural order, relinquish our dominance and co-exist with grace.
BIOGRAPHY
Michelle Schulz’s art is an invitation—bold, vibrant, and alive with a pulse of color and emotion. British-born and now based in Singapore, she moves beyond mere representation, weaving a dance between abstract realism and the untamed energy of her wild subjects.
Originally trained in fashion design at a prestigious London college, Michelle found her truest expression in fine art. Her paintings radiate—an interplay of acrylic and oil, where the deliberate placement of warm and cool tones ignites each canvas with depth and luminosity. Every brushstroke carries a sense of urgency, a heartbeat echoing the stories of the animals she portrays.
Drawing from the richness of her surroundings and a deep-rooted nostalgia, her work is more than an aesthetic experience—it is a conversation. A challenge. A call to look deeper. With an instinct for capturing both the joy and fleeting fragility of life, Michelle’s paintings transcend the ordinary, offering a moment of connection in an ever-changing world.
An internationally recognized artist, Michelle regularly exhibits her work in both local and overseas exhibitions, sharing her vision with audiences across different cultures. Her work continues to spark dialogue and bring new energy to spaces, inspiring collectors and art lovers alike.
You can view Michelle’s works on Instagram at @michelleschulzcollections. If you are interested in any artworks or commission, Michelle can be reached at michelle@michelle-schulz.com.
GOLDEN SPIRIT - ENDANGERED
OIL AND ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
61 CM X 76 CM
2025
The Akhal-Teke, one of the rarest and most ancient horse breeds, is renowned for its striking metallic sheen and remarkable endurance. In this mixed-media oil painting, I have captured the spirit of this endangered breed using bold textures and expressive strokes, predominantly applying an ink roller to bring out its sleek elegance and fluid motion.
The Akhal-Teke’s lineage dates back thousands of years, yet today, only a few thousand remain, making it a living relic of equestrian history. This piece is a tribute to the breed’s resilience, set against a dynamic background that mirrors the shifting landscapes of its homeland, Turkmenistan.
Through layers of paint and texture, I aim to evoke both the horse’s luminous coat and its untamed essence, inviting viewers to reflect on the fragility of heritage breeds and the urgent need for conservation. This painting is not just a portrayal of a horse—it’s a call to appreciate and protect the wonders of nature before they fade into history.
TIDES OF SURVIVAL - ENDANGERED
OIL AND ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
61 CM X 76 CM
2025
This painting captures the raw power and beauty of the endangered Asian tiger, swimming toward the viewer with grace and strength. The tiger’s fluid motion, portrayed through mixed media and oil paints, emphasizes the intensity of its journey and the urgent need for its preservation. Close by, a koi fish swims beside the tiger, representing harmony and the delicate balance of nature. The contrast between the two creatures, one symbolizing fierce majesty and the other calm resilience, speaks to the intricate web of life that connects all living things. Through this piece, I aim to shine a light on the fragility of the tiger’s existence, urging us to recognize the significance of protecting endangered species before they are lost forever. The interplay of vibrant colours and textures underscores the beauty of this powerful predator while reminding us of the importance of safeguarding its future. This painting not only honours the tiger’s majestic presence but also calls for a deeper reflection on our responsibility toward wildlife conservation.
THE SPECIAL BOND - ENDANGERED
OIL AND ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
61 CM X 61 CM
2024
In this piece, a mother and child Sumatran orangutan share a tender moment, gazing directly at the viewer with their expressive eyes. Capturing their deep emotional connection, the painting highlights the beauty and vulnerability of these endangered creatures. Sumatran orangutans, with fewer than 14,000 individuals left in the wild, are critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. By depicting them with such intensity and raw emotion, this artwork seeks to create a powerful bond between the viewer and these magnificent animals. The use of mixed media and oil paints adds depth and texture, mirroring the richness of the orangutans’ habitat, while also symbolizing the fragility of their existence. Through this piece, I hope to inspire reflection on the urgent need to protect these incredible creatures and their environment, and to remind us of the importance of conservation efforts in securing their future. The love shared between mother and child in this piece serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance that sustains all life on Earth.
SEALED WITH LOVE POSTAGE STAMP - ENDANGERED
OIL AND ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
60 CM X 76 CM
In an era where handwritten letters are fading into memory, so too are the majestic Asian tigers, fighting for survival in a world that moves too fast to notice. This painting captures the tender bond of two tigers, their heads pressed together in a quiet moment of love and understanding—framed within a vintage postage stamp, a tribute to a disappearing art form.
Both letter writing and these incredible creatures hold stories worth preserving. Let’s not let them fade.
GUARDIAN OF SOLITUDE - ENDANGERED
OIL AND ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
61 CM X 76 CM
2025
This mixed-media oil painting captures the quiet strength and vulnerability of the endangered giant panda. Created using an ink roller to define its striking black-and-white form, the painting embraces bold textures and expressive strokes, reflecting both the resilience and fragility of this iconic species.
The panda, a symbol of peace and balance, sits in quiet contemplation, its presence both powerful and delicate. Layers of oil paint bring depth, while the ink roller technique adds an organic, almost dreamlike quality to the piece. This textured approach highlights the contrasts within the panda’s existence—its survival depends on both human intervention and the preservation of its rapidly shrinking habitat.
Through this piece, I hope to evoke a sense of connection, urging viewers to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the urgency of conservation. The giant panda is a reminder that even the most cherished creatures remain at risk, and only through collective care can we ensure their survival.
EXHIBITIONS
2025
January: "Share - A Bowl of Rice", Belinda Chua & Tan Kay Nguan, TTSH
February: Asia Art Alliance, Belinda Chua & Tan Kay Nguan, Taiwan
March: "Voice of Art 4 - Women Empowering the World", Be One Gallery, ION Art Gallery
2024
May: "Voice of Art 3", Be One Gallery, ION Art Gallery
August: "Symphony of Colours", Be One Gallery, FortyTwoQ, Raffles City
October: "Canopy Restaurant", Art Appreciation Club, Changi
November: "World of Wonders", Asia Art Alliance, Cambodia
December: "Small Matters", Maya Gallery
In addition: I frequently perform live painting demonstrations at exhibitions
EDUCATION
Milan Art Mastery Program Graduate
AFFILIATIONS
Canvas Connections, Women’s Art Collective, Singapore