“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”
~ Henry David Thoreau
Vision
Leaving a collection of paintings that adds beauty to homes and corporate spaces. I hope my art inspires other to do what they love. I walk my talk and believe in my abilities to do what I am passionate about- creating art. I wish to share my knowledge with likeminded souls and inspire them to follow their dreams. I believe it is possible to create our life, to work hard, to find the tools, to focus and get clear on what we truly want.
About Michelle
Michelle Austen paints and teaches art in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
She found a love of art at an early age, which she credits to an amazing art teacher that sparked her interest in drawing and painting. It was a love that never ended.
Michelle is fulltime artist and teacher. Her experience comes from over 20 years of mentorship from her art teacher Betty MacDonald and continuous art education. She participates in workshops and courses locally and overseas with many professional artists.
Michelle loves to share her knowledge with her students. Guiding them to build confidence in their creative pursuits and ultimately follow their dreams.
For Michelle, a successful piece is one where energy and life flow; it’s experienced between a 2-dimensional surface and her, and is then spread further to be felt by the viewer.
“Each painting begins with a vision, as it unfolds it reminds me of the constant ebb and flow of life. Teaching me patience, acceptance and courage to keep exploring.”
Workshops and Courses Attended
Banff Centre for the Arts-Leighton Colony Self-directed residency
Ballinglen Art Foundation, Master class, Ireland- Randall Exon, Jeffrey Reed
Acrylic painting online course- Flora Bowley
Plein-air workshop – Robert Genn
Intuitive acrylic painting workshop – Laura Harris
Acrylic workshop – Nancy O’Toole
Mixed water-media course ACAD – Jean Pedersen
Acrylic painting workshop – Michael O’ Toole
Encaustic workshop – Tracy Proctor
Acrylic painting workshop – David Langevin
Mixed medium workshop – Michelle Zarb
Oil painting workshop – Brent Lynch
Oil painting workshop – Brent Laycock
Creative painting workshop – Nita Leland
Plein-air painting workshop, Italy – Mike Svob
Plein-air painting workshop – Joe Abrescia
ACAD figurative drawing class
Plein-air painting workshop – Joe Abrescia
U of C drawing
ACAD figure drawing