THIS week we chat with talented local painter and illustrator Michelle Loschiavo, who was drawn to art during a challenging childhood.<\/p>\n
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What initially motivated you to become an artist?<\/strong><\/p>\n Due to being born with spina bifida I had spent most of my childhood in and out of hospital, so I had spent a lot of time on my own and art was a form of escape and to forget my worries.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How would you describe your style and how did you develop it?<\/strong><\/p>\n My favourite mediums are acrylic paint, oil paint and coloured pencils. My favourite subjects to paint\/draw are flora and fauna. The rose is my favourite flower to paint. I also like surrealism. When I was in year 10 I had to do work experience. I chose to work in a florist. That’s where my love of flowers came from.<\/p>\n After finishing year 12 I went to continuing education and did a floral art course and also attended an art program called the TAD project. TAD stands for Talented Artist with Disabilities. I studied visual arts at Bendigo TAFE for a couple of years and that is where I learnt a lot about art techniques. I also love to paint and draw wildlife, especially exotic animals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Which other artists inspire you and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n I watch a few artists on Youtube – Lachri Fine Art (providing painting and drawing tips, tricks, demonstrations and advice for artists), Jason Morgan Animal Art Lessons (tried and true methods for drawing animals in pastels), Lorna Dandy Animal Art (coloured pencil portraits of dogs), and The Art Sherpa (regular live streaming art classes), just to name a few. I love how they teach. I have learnt a lot from watching their videos.<\/p>\n Frida Kahlo is another artist that I like.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n