Michelle’s Blog

Where art and life are interchangeable…

(Click on the excerpts for the full blog post)

Introducing My “Art of Where” Shop

Introducing My “Art of Where” shop! All items are designed by me from my original art, and they are made in Canada. Unique gifts, exceptional quality, great prices!
A Wonder-full Experience

A Summary of my 2019 solo exhibition: “Discovery, Wonder & Storytelling.” The title is meant to evoke a sense of curiosity, not only about the subjects within and the inspiration for the paintings, but also for the exploration of artistic media and processes involved.
Lone Wolf – There’s a Story in His Eyes…

I have wanted to do this painting for so long. Wolves are one of my favourite animals, and before I knew better, I used to dream of having an encounter with a pack. I fancied this idea that I would become a wildlife biologist or a photographer in the Yukon, but the closest I came to that was to own a white German Shepherd dog and name him Yukon.
Dive into Diversity (Awareness & Acceptance)

I am about to share a story I have written. It’s a message about “acceptance.”

October is Autism Awareness Month in Canada.
I wrote this story because “Awareness” is still needed, but “Acceptance” is needed even more.
* * *
“I’m not missing any pieces.
Nor am I a puzzle, as some might say. I’m one colourful piece of the big picture,
Fitting in a different way.”
The Evolution of My Work with Acrylic Skins

From pouring paint…

To finding uses for all those “leftover” bits…

To purposeful “fracturing” for a stained glass window effect (on canvas)…
Monarchs

You know you’ve met a nature lover when…

…You visit their house and as you approach their front door you notice some rather tired-looking, chewed-up milkWEED plants dominating the garden, where a much more beautiful specimen-plant should be. Yes, that’s my house. Well, until this week, that is, when the last generation of this year’s caterpillars finally had their fill. The ratty looking plants are now in the compost bin, and our Rose of Sharon is in full bloom, getting all the sunlight it desires.
Ability and “Dis”-Ability (Part Two)

The most difficult thing about SPD, over and above the crippling effects of the disorder/dysfunction, is how much I have to ask others to go without, just so that I can be involved in something with them. When they are willing to go to that extent for me, I am touched by their kindness and I’m incredibly grateful.
Ability and “Dis”-Ability (Part One)

What can I possibly know or say about this subject? I don’t look like I have a disability.
New Artwork: “Ruby”

As promised, I’m sharing a finished piece (finally) that I started back in February with intentions of entering it into the spring members’ show. My other two pieces took too much of my available time, I guess. This one is much smaller (8″ x 8″), but I wanted to do the subject justice, since I consider these creatures to be amongst the most awe-inspiring in their beauty and power, contained within such tiny bodies.

“Ruby” is the title of my latest painting of a ruby-throated hummingbird, which is hovering in front of a hibiscus flower and about to sip its fill of the flower’s nectar.
Like a Phoenix Rising from the Ashes

My “Phoenix Rising to New Life” painting is a very personal piece, as I’ve always felt like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Since the phoenix is mythological, I took the liberty of depicting a more peaceful bird to represent new life.
Meanwhile, its old body lies in death, which is represented by the rocks in the lower right corner of the painting. It is a human body, with female form, lying in the position which it fell in death. But it wasn’t all for nothing. There are already spring flowers bursting from the fertile ash in the crevices of the rock, indicating that we leave a legacy that helps others to learn from the past and look forward to a better future.
Upcoming Art Show: Uncorked, Unbuttoned, Unbridled

This upcoming art show is for Huntsville Art Society (HAS) members only. As a brand new member of HAS, I must admit, I struggled with selecting which of my finished pieces fit the theme, “Uncorked, Unbuttoned, Unbridled.” I narrowed it down to 3 pieces, and then I asked my husband how he thought they fit the theme. When he heard the show title, he gave me a look with raised eyebrows, and I could immediately sense that his imagination conjured up some interesting ideas.
First Hummingbird Sighting 2018

Hooray! I’ve been following the sightings that people have been recording on this website, so I knew they were getting closer to Muskoka in their migration. In eager expectation, I put out the hummingbird feeder a few days ago. When I saw them today, I had to submit my own sighting on the website.
Spring Has Finally Arrived!

Every spring, I can’t resist touring my gardens to see which of my “green babies” has just burst out from the ground, day after day. In the sunshine, I can almost watch them growing. It helps to cheer my soul after the winter blahs.
Writing Contests

Entering contests is one way for me to step into the writing world. They serve to add a little motivation, as long as the timing is right for me to polish an entry.
Mako the Golden

I’ve not had the pleasure to know that many special dogs, but he made me want another dog of my own! It has been a while for me. Maybe I will get my wish someday, but for now, we’re all missing this guy like no other!
World Autism Awareness Day 2018

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, and I’m sharing my Peaceful Sea Turtle in recognition of both Autism (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Spring Art Show Entries – 2018

People often ask me about this technique. I will explain, using some older photos from when I did my first piece using this process.
Seasons

With the passing of time over the years since the fire, the trail becomes more beautiful, despite the trauma it suffered.
Monarchs Making a Comeback

If any of the ones I released makes it to Mexico (for its first time), how is its great-great grand-butterfly supposed to find my garden (for its first time)?
Wildlife of Muskoka

As usual, I try to create something very different from what I see other artists are doing. I enjoy being innovative and exploring with mediums.