INTO THE WILD
Original Paintings & Art by Michelle (MJ) — Canadian Artist
My Journey as an Artist
Born in the United Kingdom, I discovered my passion for painting later in life.
It's never too late to discover your passion, and that's exactly what happened to me. At 70, I decided to start painting for the first time. Although I had no formal training or experience, I dove in with enthusiasm and discovered a love for creating vibrant, colourful works of art.
As I continued to paint, I found that my art was telling a story. I began writing poetry to accompany my paintings, inspired by the emotions, memories and ideas they evoked. Before long, I created a growing collection of original paintings and poetry that reflected my perspective on life.
What makes this journey especially meaningful to me is that it began at an age when many people believe they should be slowing down. Instead, I discovered an entirely new way to explore, create and express myself. My experience reminds me that it is never too late to pursue a dream or discover something within yourself that you didn't know was there.
Through painting and poetry, I found renewed purpose and fulfillment. My work explores beauty, love, loss, nature, imagination and self-discovery. “I hope my work also encourages others to stay curious, creative and open to new possibilities throughout their lives.”
For me, art is more than something to look at. Each painting carries a story, an emotion or a moment—and sometimes that story becomes a poem.
Where Painting Meets Poetry
From the tip of my brush to the canvas so white,
I explore the world with colors so bright,
Each stroke of the paint is a moment in time,
A diary of events, a life so divine.
The world is alive with colors and light,
The shades and the tones, they bring me delight,
With every brushstroke, I capture the mood,
The essence of life, the feeling so good.
The scent of the air, the touch of the breeze,
The rustle of leaves, and the hum of the bees,
All these sensations, they flow through my hand,
Onto the canvas, they take a stand.
My art is a story, a tale to be told,
A journey through life, as it unfolds,
I capture the moments, the laughter, the tears,
The ups and the downs, the joys and the fears.
With each stroke of the brush, I let it all out,
The happiness and sorrow, the whisper and shout,
I translate my feelings into colors and form,
And hope that my art can somehow transform.
For in my art, I find my voice,
A way to express, a way to rejoice,
And if my art can bring someone else joy,
Then I have succeeded, it's not just a ploy.
So I paint with passion, with every beat of my heart,
To capture the world, and make it a part,
Of the diary of events, that make up my life,
A canvas of memories, a world without strife.