I'm here to help you make art, your way.
I'm Michelle and I'm a lifelong trained artist and adult educator. I believe that everyone has a creative spark, that modern life takes it away from us, and we just need to find it. I've helped countless people tap into their creativity and build their skillset over the years. I also believe that art is for everybody, and that you shouldn't have to have an art degree and a huge social media following to explore your creativity.
I have personally experienced the benefits of tapping into my creativity. Making art has helped me cope with many of life's challenges, including grieving and my struggles with mental health. My work explores connections with land, place and nature, and this has brought new meaning to my life.
I want to help you bring art into your life too, whatever that means for you.
I've been an artist all my life and for my 40th birthday, I gave myself the gift of art school. I graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) with a Certificate in Art and Design Studio Skills in 2014, and since then I've taken countless courses and workshops. I am also in the final stretch of earning my Masters Degree in Adult Education which enables me to give you the best in learning experiences.
I've always worked in a variety mediums - watercolour, gouache, oil painting, acrylics, markers, pastels, collage, art journals, junk journals - you name it! If it sparks my interest, I'll learn it and make the most of it. All my work is about colour and brightness, and nature themes heavily inform my work as I continue to explore my relationship with the land. I'm more into the online arts community now, but earlier in my arts career, I've been in art shows and even sold a few pieces.
I've taught and coached countless people at all knowledge levels and ages. Combining my art skills and my knowledge as an adult educator, I take a unique and authentic approach to art instruction where you are the centre of it all.
We only learn by doing - Adults learn by doing things ourselves, not by watching other people do things. This is why you can watch a million art videos and still not know where to start. If you're in one-on-one coaching or art lessons with me, it's all unique to you and it's all hands-on.
You are the centre of your learning experience - In coaching, art lessons and live events, you're in control of what you're learning. You won't get any pre-canned demonstrations from me, and it's all hands-on for you.
We need to talk it out - If you've ever been disappointed to log in to a webinar or workshop and find out that no one except the instructor can talk and there's no way to ask questions, you know what I'm talking about here. Adults need to understand things to learn, and we need to interact with others to fully understand.