Michele Nolen-Schmidt's earliest interest in art was defined by the desire to capture the likeness of other people. After an extensive apprenticeship in oils, watercolor, acrylics, graphic arts, and figure drawing, she began a professional career as a portrait artist. Nolen-Schmidt has completed over two hundred portraits in oil, watercolor, and pastels. She has also painted numerous murals in homes and taught art to students both privately and in local schools. 

In recent years, Nolen-Schmidt's work has evolved to include found objects and written text, often displayed in three-dimensional format with the intent to tell stories that relate to the human condition. She says, "I enjoy creating a variety of whimsical pieces, such as Mardi Gras themed work, that tell the story of the town where I grew up.”