Michael Heltebrake
Surreal Artist
Welcome..
My name is Michael Heltebrake, and I'm a self-taught surreal artist with a deep love for storytelling through paint. This site is a growing archive of my creative journey — a place where imagination, memory, nature, the human experience and symbolism all collide.
The Work.
This portfolio is a collection of many, though not all, of the paintings I’ve created over the past 19 years. Almost every piece is accompanied by a personal statement and my description (optional), offering a glimpse into the story, emotion, or spark that brought it to life. Inspired by the space between memory and imagination—where nature, emotion, and story intertwine. Each piece reflects a moment in time, shaped by the places I’ve been and the feelings that moved through me. This is my way of making sense of the world—one brushstroke at a time. All of them are honest expressions of where I was at the time. There's so much more ahead, but I am proud to share the journey so far. Thank you for taking a moment to enjoy the art. — Michael
Testimonials
"I own two paintings from Michael Heltebrake and they are my most beloved pieces of art. The bee painting is beautiful and always makes me smile. "Twilight Posse" is dark and whimsical and I see something new in it every time I look at it. I have them hanging prominently in my home for all to see. I hope to collect more of Michael's pieces in the future."
“I recently purchased this beautiful piece (The Library) from Michael Heltebrake's studio.
I have been lucky enough to have seen and collected amazing art from all over the world in my 60+ years.
When I saw Michael's pieces, I was wildly impressed.
There is a depth within his work that is unmatched by any other work I've seen.
I have a second piece coming from his studio soon and I am very excited to hang it on my wall (I have the perfect spot for it).
Michael is easy to work with and very accommodating. If you ask him, he will tell you how each piece came together and what all the different fascinating treasures within the piece means.
So happy I found this artist!”
I knew from the moment I saw "the heart and hidden sun" that the piece was meant for me and my journey. From my own cosmic evolution, through darkness to light, to my ever expanding and evolving "pride" of life bursting around me, to this woman I knew was there yet I had not yet found. To finding her, through my own journey through the shadows, into the heart. This piece has evolved in meaning as much as I have. Working with Michael is/was always a joy as his heart is always in each and every inch of his work, never rushed, always thoughtfully inspired! This piece will be with our family always and forever
