Michelle has always been drawn to art and the natural world. Growing up on a property along the Brisbane River, surrounded by bushland, she spent countless hours observing and sketching the wildlife around her. This provided her with a strong foundation for a life-long love of nature grounded in close attention to detail.

She continued to refine her artistic skills through formal artistic study, later deepening her connection to the natural environment by completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Wildlife and Natural Systems Management at the University of Queensland. This scientific background provides the basis for fine art, allowing her to create pieces that are not only visually compelling but also grounded in scientific accuracy.

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A strong focus of Michelle’s work is the depiction of threatened species. Her first major joint exhibition, Vanishing Wild, held at the Queensland Museum in 2002, both celebrated and brought attention the range of South East Queensland species at risk of extinction. Featuring subjects such as the Red Goshawk, Glossy Black Cockatoo and the Spotted-Tailed Quoll, this exhibition showcased finely detailed watercolours developed through extensive field research, travel and conversations with scientists and conservationists working to protect these animals.

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Michelle’s artistic journey has taken her to diverse and remote landscapes around the world. In Namibia, she studied the endangered Black Rhino, travelling with those who protect them. Later, she lived in British Columbia for year, living on Vancouver Island and spending the winter in Fort Nelson near the Alaskan border. The experience of witnessing the Northern Lights shimmer across a dark, snow-covered forest remains something she will never forget.

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Despite her international experiences, Australia’s landscapes and wildlife remain at the heart of her practice. Michelle is passionate about researching her subjects in depth and produces highly detailed oil paintings that capture both the beauty and essence of each animal and its habitat. Committed to excellence, she uses only high-quality materials for her paintings.

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She is currently working on creating a collection of oil paintings that portray the beauty and diversity of animals and landscapes of South East Queensland and Moreton Bay region.  

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