"One of my tutors called me a colourist — and honestly, that sums me up perfectly."
Hello, I'm Michelle
I've been creating ever since I was little — always painting, drawing, making something. But my art journey really took off when I was 19. I wanted to paint something for my newly decorated bedroom, so I set up a tiny corner in my mum's kitchen and got to work.
That's when everything changed.
For over 20 years now, I've been completely captivated by bold colour and expressive brushwork. I work across acrylics, oils, pastels, and watercolour — but for me it's never about the medium. It's about making colour sing and brushstrokes move on the surface.
A life lived in colour
From a kitchen corner to a worldwide audience — here's the story of how passion became purpose.
The Spark That Started It All
At 19, I set up a makeshift studio in my mum's kitchen to paint something for my newly decorated bedroom. That small act of creative courage changed everything. I discovered a deep, unstoppable love for bold colour and expressive mark-making.
Deeply inspired by the Impressionist painters, their influence runs through every brushstroke I make — that sense of light, movement, and emotion captured in paint.
Building Bridges in the Art World
After studying art and design, I founded Art2Arts — a platform to help artists build their businesses online and connect directly with collectors. For 17 years, I watched over 1,000 artists worldwide find success selling their work.
We broke down the traditional barriers that kept so many talented people from making a living from their art — and that mission still drives everything I do today.
Teaching Has Always Been My Joy
Throughout those years, I was also teaching — a passion that stretches back to childhood. When Art2Arts was thriving on its own, I sold the business to focus fully on what truly lights me up: sharing my love of expressive painting with others.
Now I have the joy of working with a worldwide audience, helping people discover that magical moment when technique meets intuition and something beautiful happens on the canvas.
Exploring Every Subject with Fresh Eyes
Whether I'm painting landscapes, abstracts, or portraits, I love exploring different subjects whilst always pushing my colours in new and exciting ways and keeping the brushwork alive.
For me, it's all about enjoying the process — and there's nothing I love more than sharing that joy with others.
"There's nothing I love more than that magical moment when technique meets intuition — and something beautiful happens on the canvas."— Michelle Gibbs
It's never about the medium — it's about making colour sing
I love working across different mediums: acrylics, oils, pastels, and occasionally watercolour. But for me, the medium is just the vehicle. What matters is the energy, the boldness, the life in the work.
I'm deeply inspired by the Impressionist painters, and their influence runs through everything I create — that sense of light captured in a single brushstroke, colour used not to describe but to feel.
My teaching philosophy is the same: I want you to paint with freedom and confidence, to stop second-guessing and start trusting your instincts. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned painter looking to break free from habit, I meet you exactly where you are.
The principles that guide everything I create
Colour is Emotion
Colour isn't decoration — it's the language of feeling. I use it boldly, intuitively, and with intention to create work that resonates on a deeply emotional level.
Process Over Perfection
The joy is in the making. I encourage every student to embrace the unexpected, to let go of the need for a "perfect" outcome and discover the beauty in the journey.
Art for Everyone
I spent 17 years breaking down barriers for artists. That mission continues in my teaching — making expressive, vibrant painting accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world.
Let's create something beautiful together
Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to reignite your creative spark, I'd love to paint alongside you. Explore my courses, download the free guide, or simply get in touch.
Explore My Courses →Or download the free 'Paint Vibrant & Expressive' guide to get started today.
