Michelle Robinson
Wildlife Artist
My Artistic Journey
My first experience of feeling like an artist came in Primary School, when I sketched cartoon characters as gifts for friends who couldn’t believe I hadn’t traced them. From there, it felt natural to continue studying art throughout my academic years. After graduating, though, life took over and my creative practice took a back seat—until recently.
Moving from the hustle and bustle of Kent to the wide open spaces of Wiltshire reignited my passion for painting. I find endless inspiration in the small details and quiet connections within nature—moments that can be captured in a single snapshot. I choose my reference photos (always with the photographer’s permission) based on a visceral, instinctive reaction to the image.
As someone who lives with anxiety, I find the process deeply meditative. Painting quiets my busy mind and offers the creative outlet I’ve needed since childhood—and always will.
My Painting Process
Over the years, I have explored many mediums and styles, but I have always felt most at home working in a realistic style. Today, I have the confidence to call myself a Wildlife Artist.
I am drawn to the tactile nature of oil paint—its versatility, its ability to be pushed from one extreme to another, and the slow drying time that allows for reflection, reworking, and careful decision-making over weeks.
The reference images for my paintings are chosen instinctively. It is a gut reaction—a moment when a
photograph captures the beauty and fragility of the natural world in a way that demands to be painted.
I have a naturally structured approach to life, and this carries through into my creative process.
My paintings begin with the careful preparation of wooden panel boards, built up with multiple layers of Golden Gloss and Gesso, sanded between each coat to achieve a smooth surface. I sketch each image using the traditional grid system to ensure accurate proportions.
Using diluted oil paints and a selection of very fine brushes, I slowly build each piece from dark tones through to highlights. By layering colour and texture, I aim to capture the realism of dense fur or silky feathers. Each painting is a considered, time-intensive process, often taking weeks or months to complete.
You can see more of my process and work in progress on Instagram:
@michellerobinsonwildlifeart (link at bottom of page)
