Michelle Jones Artist Spotlight Interview

There is a certain kind of curiosity that fuels creativity, and for Michelle Jones, that relentless quest has led her from the rugged landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador into a world where light, history, and human experience are perpetually being reimagined through art.

As an artist, Michelle has embraced a path largely paved by self-teaching, delving deep into acrylics, Pan Pastel, and mixed media to capture the world around her. Her canvas is a tapestry of heritage landscapes, architectural paintings, and evocative figurative work, reflecting a profound passion for storytelling that runs through every stroke.

Her journey began with a simple encouragement from family, but it was early exposure—from country club jobs filled with photography and poster design—that sparked an undeniable hunger for creative expression. This foundational curiosity led her to embrace the world of visual arts entirely, taking inspiration from classic masters like Van Gogh and Picasso while also absorbing the brilliance of local Newfoundland artists such as Mary Pratt and Christopher Pratt.

Michelle’s path was marked by discovery. She discovered her voice through formal learning, commercial courses, and an insatiable appetite for knowledge. But perhaps the most transformative element of her artistic life came from connecting with other creators. During the pandemic, she found inspiration in the interactive work of painters like Angela Hardy, whose live broadcasts showed her the power of layering and glazes, and in the inspiring story of Gordon Furr, who demonstrated how creative outlets can resurface when life throws unexpected challenges.

These encounters reinforced a core philosophy: that the greatest art emerges from courage and curiosity. Michelle is not just a painter; she is an active participant in the arts community. She is an engaged member of The Group of 77 Drawing Group, participating regularly in life drawing sessions, and has served as an Official Artist for the 2025 Canada Games, sketching athletes in action.

Her commitment extends beyond her studio walls. Michelle champions the arts in Newfoundland and Labrador by serving on the Board of Directors for the Arts, Wellness and Heritage Community Site in Portugal Cove–St. Philip’s, constantly seeking ways to celebrate and connect local talent. Her involvement also includes supporting collaborative initiatives like Artists in Action – The Wildfire Project.

The journey has always been about pushing boundaries. One pivotal moment came when she accepted a challenge from Gordon Furr: to paint a canvas black using only one brush, without washing it, and without a reference, trusting the process entirely. This experience taught her that growth happens not in hesitation, but in embracing the unpredictable flow of creation.

Today, Michelle continues to seek those challenges. She now finds fulfillment in engaging with other creatives—painters, musicians, and poets—who fuel her energy and push her forward. Her vision is expanding into powerful public projects, including a commissioned series rendering the monuments along the Newfoundland Regiment’s route in World War I. This work aims to ensure that the history of Newfoundlanders who served is immortalized for future generations.

For budding artists, Michelle’s advice is clear and wonderfully simple: Challenge yourself!! ALWAYS!! Surround yourself with creative people, never create to satisfy a market, and allow your unique voice to shine. By embracing the journey of curiosity and courage, she proves that the most beautiful art is simply what happens when you dare to be fully, authentically you.