Michelle Watson originally studied theatre design before graduating with a Fine Art degree with honours in 2009. The diversity of scale and the use of different mediums over the years gave her a broad concept of materials. It became apparent of her obsession with the female form and its complexities of hormonal structure.  Having gone through five pregnancies and experiencing not only mood swings but permanent skin scarring, she wanted to relate to real women with real bodies. Jenny Saville was a huge inspiration at this time.  

She isolates the figures bringing an intensity that reflects what the women feel during hormonal periods. In using the raw canvas there is softness to the brush strokes, contradicting the poses and often the colouration.

Exhibitions

  • Mar 2019 : The Other Art Fair (Saatchi Art), Brick Lane, London

  • Mar 2019 : WSAS Exhibition 2019, Colonnade Gallery, Worthing

  • Feb 2019 : Talking Point, Lethaby Gallery, Central St Martins, London

  • Jan 2019 : Herrick Gallery, Mayfair, London

  • Jan 2019 : Art Below, Hyde Park, London

  • Oct 2018 : Anemoi Art, Mayfair, London

  • Oct 2018 : Art Below, Regents Park, London

  • Aug 2018 : Artel “Elemental” Exhibition, Oxmarket, Chichester

  • May 2018 : “Unspoken”, Stash Gallery, Vout-O-Reenee’s, London

  • May 2018 : Art Trail Open Studios Preview, Oxmarket, Chichester

  • Dec 2017 : Sweet ‘Art “Naughty & Nice”, Espacio Gallery, London

  • Dec 2017 : WSAS Exhibition 2017, Colonnade Gallery, Worthing

  • Sep 2017   :   Sweet 'Art Exhibition, Tanner Street, London

  • Jun 2017    :   London International Artists Competition, HLS Gallery, London

  • May 2017   :   Art Trail Open Studios Preview, Oxmarket, Chichester

  • Dec 2016   :   Open 16, Norwood Gallery, Worthing

  • Nov 2016   :   West Sussex Art Society Exhibition, The Studio, Worthing

  • Jun 2016   :   "Retrospective", Oxmarket, Chichester

  • Apr 2016   :   Art Trail Open Studios Preview, Oxmarket, Chichester

  • Sep 2015   :   "Small is Beautiful", Arundel Museum, Arundel

  • Jun 2015    :   Summer Exhibition, Oxmarket, Chichester

  • Apr 2015    :   Art Trail Open Studios Preview, Oxmarket, Chichester

  • Dec 2014   :   "Journeys", Oxmarket, Chichester

  • Oct 2014    :   Autumn Exhibition, The Studio, Worthing

  • May 2014   :   Summer Exhibition, Oxmarket, Chichester

  • May 2014   :   Juliet Pannet Award, Oxmarket, Chichester

  • Sep 2013   :   Stride Open, Oxmarket, Chichester

  • Apr 2010   :   Worcester Open, Worcester

  • Jun 2009  :   Degree Show, Chichester University, Chichester

Awards and Prizes

  • Nov 2016   :   Juliet Pannet Award, First Prize

  • Oct 2015   :   Pre-selected for the Columbia Threadneedle Prize, London

  • May 2014   :   Juliet Pannet Award, First Prize, selected and presented by Philip Jackson

  • Apr 2014   :   Artist "Best in Show", Chichester Art Trail

  • Sep 2013   :   The Stride Cup, winner of Stride Open

Education

  • BA(Hons)  Fine Art, Chichester University