top of page
Search


It Takes a Village...
As the festive season comes upon us, I think of all that have collected those little village houses, and every year they light them up...
Nov 12, 20242 min read


Embracing the Journey: A Tale of Redoing and Renewal of Artwork
My art classes just wrapped up today for the summer. I am enjoying the sunshine on my deck with a cup of tea reflecting about how hard my...
Jun 6, 20242 min read


Replenishing Creative Resources
Sharing my ideas for replenishing creative resources when the well runs dry… Have you ever had moments that you have studio time but your...
May 16, 20242 min read


Blooming Hope and Connecting the Pieces.
I love it when things come full circle and the pieces seem to effortlessly fit in place. This past weekend was a perfect example of this....
May 2, 20242 min read


Connect - Collaborate - Celebrate
Connecting with nature and expressing it through art is what I love to do. Sharing it with you is a gift. A time to celebrate things...
Apr 9, 20242 min read


What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?
Through deep reflection I have learned that it is when I am unable to paint. Full stop! There are many common barriers that all...
Mar 29, 20242 min read


Exploring Mexico and the Cerro Pelon Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary.
It’s been just over two years since a friend and I travelled two hours north of Mexico City to the small farming village of Macheros to...
Mar 21, 20242 min read


How long does it take you to create a painting?
As most artists would agree, it is a thought provoking question. My most accurate answer to date is 55 years. I am convinced I was born...
Mar 15, 20241 min read


Why this blog...
I am a visual artist sharing my love of art and story telling with art lovers, art collectors, art students and community of creative...
Mar 7, 20241 min read


Hello and Let me reintroduce myself….
I am Michelle Austen. I am an Artist, living in Calgary, AB, Canada. I am inspired by my imagination, flowers, nature, travel and all...
Feb 22, 20242 min read


Creating Memories and Magic Moments. Summer Art Camp 2023
10 years ago, I had an idea to gather groups of budding artists and host a summer art camp to do all the things I loved to do as a child....
Sep 3, 20233 min read


Wanderlust and art in Spain,
Wanderlust and art in Spain, A few years back, I attended fellow artists show, John Lennard, at Masters Gallery in Calgary, AB. I deeply...
Jun 8, 20234 min read


Bearspaw School Mural Project
Nothing keeps an artist more present than 600+ students, staff and volunteers collaborating to create a 6 x 12 ft mural… Just say YES and...
Jun 23, 20192 min read


Value of Silence- Summer Art Camp reflections.
Silence gives answers ~ Rumi Reflecting on my 5th annual summer art camp where I had the joy of spending a creative week with a group of...
Aug 1, 20172 min read


Wow! She went brave!
“Trust that little voice in your head that says “Wouldn’t it be interesting if…” And then do it.” ~Duane Michals The idea of having an...
Jul 4, 20173 min read


Independent Spirit- Summer Art Camp 2016
“We teach what we most need to learn” ~ Richard Bach The purpose of my art camp is for the students to feel what it is like to be an...
Aug 5, 20163 min read


Energy Exchange
“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”~Buddha If you have been...
Feb 1, 20163 min read


Courageous, Confident or Just Plain Crazy!..Driving tips for Ireland from a Canadian Girl
“If you believe you can-YOU WILL!” Upon returning safely from a 3 week trip to Ireland, I thought I would share a few driving tips. Being...
Aug 21, 20153 min read


Confetti Trees, Color and Creativity
“I think this is how we are supposed to be in the world-Present and in Awe.” ~Anne Lamott Encaustic Confetti Tree Summer Camp 2015 Last...
Jul 22, 20153 min read


I am not the Bionic Women
“A Break from technology can help us to feel human again. And I am pretty sure there’s still no App for that.”~ Micheal J. Chase. Morning...
Jul 6, 20152 min read
MICHELLE'S JOURNAL
bottom of page