Bio

Michelle Watson is a contemporary figurative painter based in Suffolk, UK, known for her evocative and thought-provoking exploration of the modern female experience. Her work draws inspiration from classical figuration, which she reimagines with contemporary painting methods to create pieces that are both timeless and deeply relevant.

Central to Michelle’s practice is a commitment to amplifying women’s voices and shedding light on themes of identity, femininity, and societal perceptions of aging and beauty. Through her work, she invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of womanhood, often blending rich symbolism and abstraction to tell personal yet universally resonant stories.

Michelle’s paintings have been exhibited extensively across the UK, including London, Suffolk, and Norfolk, and her art is part of private collections both domestically and internationally. With a growing profile in the art world, she continues to challenge conventions and inspire dialogue through her innovative and emotionally charged creations.

Notable achievements include: finalist for the Art Gemini Prize, reaching preselection for the Threadneedle prize, being awarded the Stride Cup, two time winner of the Juliet Pannet award, and being presented the Rose Bowl by Philip Jackson. 

Exhibitions

• Nov 2024 : NNAC Exhibition, Handa Gallery, Norfolk

• Oct 2024 : ‘Incahoots’, 3-5 Torrens Street, London

• Jul 2024 : ‘FLUX 2024’, Marylebone Road, London

• Jun 2024 : ‘Shadows at Dusk’ [SOLO EXHIBITION] , Courtyard Gallery, Suffolk

• May 2024 : NNAC Exhibition, The Forum, Norwich

• Nov 2023 : ‘FLUX 2023’, Piccadilly, London

• Nov 2023 : ‘Four East Anglian Artists’, 143 High St, Aldeburgh, Suffolk

• Sep 2023 : ‘Three Artists’, The Pond Gallery, Snape Maltings, Suffolk

• Sep 2023 : ‘Art Gemini Prize’, Zari Gallery, Fitzrovia, London

• May 2023 : ‘Women of Substance’, Merlina Arts Gallery, Bungay, Suffolk

• May 2023 : NNAC Exhibition, The Forum, Norwich

• Dec 2022 : ‘Shape and Colour’, The Bell Gallery, Bungay, Suffolk

• Sep 2022 : NNAC exhibition, Handa Gallery, Norfolk

• May 2022 : ‘Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle’s 2022 Art Exhibition (NNAC)’, The Forum, Norwich

• Jul 2021 : NNAC Exhibition ,The Munnings Art Museum, Essex

• Jul 2019 : ‘Fragment’, Artel Exhibition, Oxmarket, Chichester

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

• Mar 2019 : Art Below, Bethnal Green, London

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

• Feb 2019 : Talking Point, Lethaby Gallery, 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 : ‘Elemental’, Artel Exhibition, Oxmarket, Chichester

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

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

• Dec 2017 : ‘Naughty & Nice’, Sweet ‘Art, 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

• 2023 : Finalist, Art Gemini Prize

• 2016   :   Juliet Pannet Award, First Prize

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

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

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

• 2013   :   The Stride Cup, winner of Stride Open

Education

• BA(Hons)  Fine Art, Chichester University