As soon as I saw Michelle Morin’s painting of some wild fennel on a coastline, I knew I had to feature her on this blog. Everything about it, from the texture, the colours, the intricacy, and the feeling of wildness captured me. Nothing is too contained, and yet despite the pattern-like composition, you still feel that you’re looking into a beach landscape.
Michelle lives on the Seacoast of New Hampshire, yet spends time travelling to places, discovering the native plant and animal life. She has spent many years working in the horticultural field, so the detail with which she depicts the natural world is no surprise.
One of my favourite mediums is water-colour (and gouache, a concentrated kind of water-colour), because of the matte texture it leaves behind. It’s a curious mix of flatness, adjustable opacity, yet texture, and depth. If I were an artist, and a bit more technically inclined, I think I’d work primarily with water-soluble paints.
This one below reminds me of an Audubon illustration, pictures which I’ve always loved. My mother found a book full of
John James Audubon‘s ornithological illustrations at a yard sale, and transplanted some of her favourites into beautiful frames, which still hang on the wall of their home. Without a doubt, the connection between some of Morin’s works and Audubon’s important studies drew me in even more.
Although the image below of a Joshua Tree isn’t my favourite in terms of composition, I love it simply because of the unique plant it showcases. These trees are native to only a handful of regions in the world, my hometown being one of them. I used to shrug these otherworldly trees as being ugly and garish, but now I think of them with fondness and a bit of awe. If you want to know more about these fantastic trees, you can see them at
Joshua Tree National Park in California.
And if you want to see more from Michelle, visit her Website, complete with portfolio, as well as her blog, featuring new works. She also has two Etsy shops, United Thread and Michelle Morin Art. Let’s support the arts, share the love! If you feel like pinning any of these images, please make sure proper credit is given by keeping her name in the description! :)
