Fluid Water

Wave series
I have been working on a new series of abstract art exploring the ocean waves. My love of the beach and surfing started when I was young. My dad built our house and his business 100 meters from Maroochydore Beach, Queensland, Australia. My favorite spot was in front of the Maroochy caravan park on the southern side of Maroochydore surf club. My granddad Tony would bundle us in the car and take us swimming, saying you all need to be able to swim, not really showing us that well how to swim. We had a lot of fun but my mum would always worry about us going.
My favorite time at Maroochy beach was in the early morning and the sun coming up over the water, seagulls and not much breeze, Sweet.

In year 8 at school I couldn’t decide on what sport to do and at the last minute they opened up Surf Life saving as a sport option and I was really excited. I took LS every year as a summer sport until year 11. I loved most days except for the rainy overcast ones but got my bronze medallion or bronze star and my love of surf mat riding in the afternoon with the boys from school was the highlight. As well most Saturday and Sunday mornings.
But the connection with waves is on a soul level, I can’t describe in words the feeling of ocean water on your skin or the colour of the water on certain days. It is a deep personal experience. The colours range from lightest blue at the edge to a range of aquas, greens and deep ocean blue.
The intensity of the power behind water. I love the sensation of the waves, the motion and immense respect of just how powerful the ocean can be.
To start my process I meditate and immerse myself in the ocean energy, I become fluid like the ocean and start each piece with water soluble pencils, mark making and picture myself in the waves. It elevates me to a place where everything drops away and I’m in a state bliss.
The wave series is on 300 gsm quality asid free watercolour paper. The watercolour paper can be sent overseas in tubes to be framed by you. All have certificates of authenticity and are original artwork.

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Michelle Mann is a mixed media artist and illustrator whose vibrant, joyful and whimsical work is inspired by nature, spirituality and a colourful imagination.
Michelle’s most ambitious project to date is the creation of the Gold Lotus Oracle deck, a set of cards and accompanying book used for guidance and self-growth.
This project brought together her experience as an artist, psychic medium and teacher to create 47 paintings that were used to illustrate the individual cards as well as writing the accompanying book. The Gold Lotus Painting series were exhibited as part of the project and has resulted in awards including COVR industry awards for both deck and book.
It is the intersection of painting, writing and spirituality that holds Michelle’s fascination and underpins all that she creates - whether abstract or figurative paintings in oil and acrylic, or the children’s book illustrations, pattern design and unique travel journals that round out her creative practice.
Michelle’s work is held by collectors both nationally and internationally. Michelle has been exhibiting since 2016 in galleries in South East Queensland and Sydney.
Michelle is based in the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, where you will find her exploring and creating in her home studio in Woombye.