Artist Biography

Michelle began painting in 1989, but her love of drawing began as a child when she spent many hours sketching scenes of her Petty Harbour home. Although she now resides in St. John's, her love of the Newfoundland outport is very much evident in her paintings. She endeavors to capture the unique light of the Newfoundland landscape in watercolour, acrylic, or water-soluble oil.

In 1994, Michelle was successful in winning a competition sponsored by Grenfell Handicrafts in St. Anthony  which saw five of Michelle's paintings published as an open-edition series  for distribution. In 1999, Michelle's drawings were printed in A Newfoundland & Labrador Adventure Color and Activity Book. Michelle has studied at the Ed Roche School of Art, Memorial University Extension Services, and has participated in many workshops. She is a member of the Art Association of Newfoundland & Labrador. She has participated in over thirty group exhibitions  since she began painting. Michelle's original artwork may be viewed at her studio in St. John's and her limited edition prints are available at various art gallery and frame shops around the island of Newfoundland.

Michelle credits the blossoming of her artistic talent to all the members of her family, including those who live on in her memory and continue to guide her.  Michelle has found direction in the simplicity of her grandmother's words written in an autograph book some 30 years ago.  "Stars over snow, and in the west a planet swinging below a star.  Look for a lovely thing and you will find it.  It is not far.  It never will be."

"I also dedicate this website to two very special people in my life, Joan and Helen Byrne, who believed in me long before I believed in myself.   May I encourage other striving artists as you  wonderful friends have done for me. God bless you both.."