Welcome to my first studio note! I’m excited to share a little of my world with you, the quiet corners of my studio, the paintings I’m working on, and the way Australian flora inspires me. There’s something about noticing how our unique plants grow, then thinking about how to capture their forms without turning everything into a strict botanical study. Observing textures, the gentle rhythm of a whorl, or the subtle shift of colour is what keeps me returning to the canvas day after day. I like to think some of that attention might resonate with you too, wherever you notice the little patterns in nature.

Close up details

When I paint, I start by looking – really looking. Over the years, I’ve unintentionally become a bit of a plant detective. Studying the structure of a flower helps me translate it into oils later. I’m not great at remembering all the part names, or at pronouncing scientific terms, so I sketch what I see. It also means I can sit in the garden with a pencil in hand and look very important, which counts for something, right?

I’d love to share more works and prints with you over time. If you’d like to see what’s available, you can view them [here]. If a piece speaks to you, originals are always open for inquiry. But mostly, I hope this note is a space for connection.  

Michelle