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Artist Bio
My name is Michelle Gray, I am still getting used to that because I only got married just before turning 42, so forgive me for putting it everywhere – it’s there to remind me as much as you. Although my husband and I had been together for 16 years, bought a house together within the first 2 years, we just never got round to formalising our relationship.
Acrylic paint is the medium I use, although I do also like oils. But I find acrylic more practical as it dries much faster than oil. As I build my paintings up in layers the faster drying time allows me to be more efficient.
Although I had always enjoyed drawing and painting I’m a late comer to artistry as a career. I didn’t study art past my GCSE’s, which I regret. Trying to be practical I chose business related subjects rather than anything creative.
However, I would still pick up a paint brush in my spare time and would experiment. I’ve always enjoyed the techniques impressionist artists such as Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh.
When I was in middle school we were introduced to it and tasked with copying one of the famous paintings. I chose Monet’s “Morning on the Seine, near Giverny”, and the Head Teacher selected it to be framed and displayed on his office wall for a year. He only had space for 3 so I was touched that I made the cut. Unfortunately I can’t share with you my finished article because at the end of the school year it went missing. It was such a shame to not get it back but I secretly hope my Head Teacher liked it so much he took it home and continues to enjoy it.
I went on to have a career that was focused on building strong working relationships with people but they were corporate and didn’t foster my creative side as much as I would have liked.
In 2014 I had a serious car accident that ended my career as I sustained a severe brain injury. Initially I could barely write, let alone draw or paint. There were times that I worried I’d lost these skills forever.
But I continued to practice and thankfully my brain began to relearn. In 2021 I painted a piece for the NHS to be displayed in one of their Neuropsychology departments. There was no specific subject that they wanted so that gave me the opportunity to focus on something that has always been close to my heart, animals. I chose a zebra but in luminous colours to represent the change one feels after a brain injury. They even paid me £50 for it which I was delighted with. I didn’t want the NHS to pay a fee as they need to manage their limited resources wisely, but it did feel good to know others felt that there was value to my work. Despite this clear vote of confidence in me and my work I was unsure how the build on this success and didn’t take steps to sell any more of my work.
Nevertheless, my passion for nature only grew. My husband and I have gone on many experiences to meet animals which I doubt I’d ever casually meet in the wild. I love hearing from the people who look after them all about their individual personalities, especially the naughty ones. The naughty ones are always my favourite.
It wasn’t until I came back from my honeymoon that my attitude towards what was possible in terms of my art changed. I don’t know if it was that I was still flying high from having such a wonderful time, or it was just down to my wonderful friends and family convincing me that I had a talent for creating pictures that other people would enjoy.
After we had the interior of our terrace house redecorated I was looking for a picture for a windowless wall to be like a window. But I couldn’t find anything that was quite right, so I thought I’d have a go myself. As I made slow but steady progress with my impression of a Peony bush I kept asking my husband what he thought of it. His favourite element was my use of an iridescent yellowy green colour as it was shiny and reflected so much light. I think we both enjoyed the way it adds another dimension. When other people complimented me on it I really started to accept that I could produce paintings for other people as well.
When other people complimented me on it I really started to accept that I could produce paintings for other people as well. As my husband and I enjoyed the iridescent paint so much I have continued to incorporate metallic style paints in my work, creating my signature style.
Nature is my greatest inspiration and the heart of my artistic practice. I am drawn to the expressive faces of animals, the intricate patterns of feathers and fur, and the ever-changing colours of the natural world. My paintings are a celebration of these wonders—each piece is an invitation to pause, observe, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
Working primarily in acrylics, I strive to capture not just the likeness but the personality and energy of my subjects. Whether it’s the soulful gaze of a horse, the playful curiosity of a Bengal cat, or the vibrant plumage of a pheasant, I use bold backgrounds and dynamic brushwork to bring each animal to life. My compositions often feature a harmonious interplay of colour and texture, reflecting the joy and vitality I find in nature.
As a self-taught artist, I am committed to continual growth and exploration. My journey has been shaped by a deep respect for wildlife and a desire to share that connection with others. Each painting is a testament to the moments of wonder I experience outdoors, and I hope my work inspires viewers to see animals and their habitats with renewed appreciation.
Through my art, I aim to create a sense of warmth, joy, and connection—reminding us all of the simple pleasures found in the natural world. Whether displayed in a home or given as a gift, my paintings are designed to bring a touch of nature’s magic into everyday life.