My name is Michael Bazelais, also known as BAZ, a Haitian American artist based in Stamford, Connecticut. I earned my B.F.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Hartford, where I developed a deeper understanding of painting as both a technical and expressive practice.

My work primarily focuses on portraiture, using oil paint to explore emotion, identity, and human presence. Drawn to facial expression and eye contact, I create pieces that engage viewers directly, inviting moments of connection, reflection, and quiet dialogue.

Working through subtle brushstrokes and soft blending, my approach leans toward realism while maintaining a sense of intimacy and restraint. The flexibility of oil paint allows me to build depth not only in skin tones, but also in emotion—creating work that feels both grounded and expressive.

Influenced by the Black culture and experiences that shaped me, my work explores themes of dignity, vulnerability, and empowerment. Through my portraits, I seek to honor the beauty of skin, the strength of both women and men, and the unspoken stories carried through the eyes. Each piece exists as a quiet exchange—where emotion is not explained, but felt.