Monday mornings sure do come fast when they follow Halloween weekend. We are sure feeling tired and might still be coming down from our sugar high, BUT the day is looking brighter already because we finally are able to announce that Michele Aschenbrenner is joining the Well + Wonder team! Inspired by vintage aesthetics, mid-century design, cheerful color palettes, and floral motifs, Michele creates paintings that balance nostalgia with a fresh, contemporary feel. As a collector of vintage paint-by-number art, she is drawn to simplified shapes, clean lines, and color-driven compositions. Her work reflects a lifelong interest in the connection between pattern, nostalgia, and the emotional life of the home. She sees floral painting as a way to bring comfort, familiarity, and beauty into everyday spaces. Working primarily in gouache and acrylic, Michele uses a hard-edge technique built up through thin, smooth layers of paint. Her "feel good florals" combine vintage charm with a bold graphic sensibility, creating work that feels joyful, comforting, and optimistic. Influenced by the way interiors can shape mood and atmosphere, she aims to make art that brings warmth and personality into everyday spaces. After spending several decades in the Carolinas, Michele now lives in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Now we all have to wait until Wednesday, November 4th at 10 am for Michele's feel-good florals to load onto our gallery walls, but until then, y'all can get to know this incredible talent in our "Pardon Me" interview below. See y'all on Wednesday!
What is currently on your nightstand?
My nightstand is not a curated place. Some Burt’s Bees, a book I intend to read before bed and don’t, a hair tie (or 3) and crystals I have collected over the years.
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
I would say my biggest influence would be brands over artists. Orla Kiely, Marimekko, Liberty of London and Cath Kidston are some that come to mind. They all have a unique fun vibe, attention to detail and the colors are fabulous.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
Many memories from childhood are playing outside with friends - playing with Barbies, riding Big Wheels, making mud pies. Spirograph, LiteBrite, ColorForms and a Holly Hobbie paint by number with oil paints are some of the toys I loved. The smell of the paints still stays with me - and sadly I never finished the painting and it went to the unfinished paint by number heaven. The idea of every color having a specific spot to be has really influenced y design. (this is also something I take from my pattern design background). I remember a teacher would let a me and a friend sit in the back of the classroom and just draw. We loved it - but it might explain my lack of knowledge in geography!
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Paint! I can paint anything - walls, furniture etc - I will find something to paint.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
We moved from the Charlotte area back to Pennsylvania almost 3 years ago and we are now in a townhome. Though I find decorating a townhome challenging I would say our front room is my favorite space. It is very cozy - a beautiful mid-century style green velvet sofa, very old player piano, many Anthropologie Outlet finds, and lots of thriving plants courtesy of my husband.
What is your biggest score online?
I would say my biggest scores are not online, but in person while scouring antique markets - lately always very excited for an interesting vintage frame - bonus points if it is wicker!
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
Oh the benefits are multiple - as a customer you get to see many artists in one spot from the comfort of your home, you already have the collective curated by those with knowledge, and finally you supporting emerging artists that you may not find locally. I would say buy what excites you whether it be color, design or subject matter. If you collect what you love it will all magically work together.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
It is hard to pick one museum but I might say The Broad in LA. The architecture, the interior design, the open feeling, the collections and even the peek you get into the archives from the stairwell. Love it all.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
One of mine is The Palmetto in Charleston. The lobby is so stylish - unique art pieces, upholstery with landscapes on them, and their signature scent. I spent way too much time tracking down the fringy overhead lighting they have - with it being from France I sadly do not have those lights.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Of course I’d love to be a color but I am definitely clear- simple.
I can never get on a plane without….
AirPods and IPad. How did we ever fly with the actual sound in an airplane?! I’m not really fond of flying so bring on all the distractions - I draw and stream some shows to make the time pass.
How did you get into the world of art?
Growing up making and creating I chose to study Art Education in college. I loved that I could take allll kinds of art classes - painting, ceramics, design, printmaking etc. I went on imeadiately after to Syracuse University for my MFA in Surface Pattern Design. This is designing anything in repeat for end uses in textiles, wallpaper. giftware etc. After MFA I taught high school art for a few years and then moved to the south to work with a textile company. Years later I had a desire to create fine art based on the images I loved from textile design. I have quite the collection of vintage textiles which I turn to for color and image inspiration as well as a fresh bunch of flowers.
What do you do to relax?
I would say walking helps me. Probably feel most relaxed when in the midst of a painting listening to a good audiobook with a cup of tea nearby.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
Probably when visiting somewhere like Longwood Gardens near us and when shopping - I do love some shopping! Favorites range from Terrain to a really good vintage shop. While living in southeast PA we are really loving a road trip into NYC to see all things which is always inspiring.
Prediction for the Color of 2027?
Oh I am rooting for a green - any green will do. But also an optimistic yellow would really be appreciated.
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
it is probably more of a daytime outing with my husband - rummaging a great antique spot with a hot tea in hand.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
This is hard - they are like my children and can’t pick one. I would say it is usually my most recent painting, until the next one comes along.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
I am really affected by my surroundings and I am sure others feel the same. Art can make your space happier, cozier and just a fun place to be. Buy what makes you feel that way and you will love living with it.
