Michelle Watson

Michelle is a UK based Artist who studied for a fine art degree in Chichester university. Her practice focuses primarily on encapsulating the many scars and hormonal changes endured throughout a woman’s lifetime. Her choice of using raw cotton or linen canvas as a base on which to paint, adds texture and depth to both her application and colour. From the initial fluidity and free application of the ink used, developing into a many layered yet conscious application of the oil paint, a female form emerges.

Her large-scale artworks are indicative of her earlier theatre studies, before her undertaking of her degree, which she completed whilst raising her five children.

Last year she was a finalist for the Art Gemini Prize and has been longlisted for the women in art prize this year, has been preselected for the Threadneedle Prize and awarded the Stride cup and two-time winner of the Juliet Pannet award. She has had two solo shows and many collaborations. There are details of her publications and exhibitions on her website.

“There never is an end to the inspiration and significance that the Autumn brings”, and she uses this palette as inspiration to her process.

Currently she is working from her studio in Suffolk where she lives and works in the countryside.

“Through my artwork, I hope to let other women know that they’re not alone when enduring the difficulties and struggles of the ageing process. Painting the beauty of the female form juxtaposing the scars amassed through time. By combining my own experiences with those of the women within my paintings, I am attempting to capture an honest depiction of the ageing woman.

In exposing the scars upon the canvas, using oil paints and ink, I hope to encourage every woman to embrace the aging body and to love the body she’s in.”