***Flygirl Fridays***

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to take a course called "Flying Lessons" given by a very talented artist - Kelly Rae Roberts. It was an excellent course that covered such topics as letting go of yours fears, going after your true passion, and many other things. One of the best things about the course was, I got meet and learn about a lot of talented artists, all in on different paths, but all working towards making their dreams come true and learning to take flight. Flygirl Fridays is all about these wonderfully talented people and a little bit about them, so you can get to know them as well!

Please Join me in welcoming
Michelle Reynolds from Shells in the Bush!

Please introduce yourself, who are you and what do you do?
G'day, I'm Michelle Reynolds from Shells in the Bush, I live in the Perth hills in Western Australia and I'm an artist, wife and mother of 2 young men.  My paintings are abstract, bright, colourful with lots of layers.  I also like to make jewelry with my paintings as a part of the jewelry.

What is something that you really love, and why?
I really love to paint with acrylics because it's challenging and rewarding and when I paint it's all I can think about at that time so I put everything else, such as my problems, kids, husband out of mind and concentrate on the painting. I began painting three years ago and have explored drawing, pastels, watercolours, collage, mixed-media but really fell in love with acrylic paints. It's now a large part of who I am and feeds something inside of me, it's something I have to do and if I haven't created in a few days I get a bit antsy and know that I just have to create something to be happy.

What would your dream project be?
A commission for a large building such as an office or hotel - something where I can paint large paintings.
Designing and seeing my art on luggage, wine bottles, CD's, stationery and fabric.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received?
Paint for yourself and not for anybody else.

Where does your inspiration come from?
Life experiences, nature, other artists and their artwork.

What do you think is the biggest thing holding you back?
Fear - as an introvert I find it difficult to go to galleries and say please hang my paintings.

What change do you think would most help your business grow?
Getting over the above fear, have an exhibition and working out how to turn my large paintings into prints so I can set up an etsy store.

What’s the biggest thing that you took with you from Flying Lessons?
How important your art community is to your art - the support, encouragement, inspiration you receive from other creative souls is invaluable.

Places to find me:Website:  http://www.shellsinthebush.com/
Blog: http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com.au/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/ShellsintheBush
Twitter: http://twitter.com/shellsinthebush
Redbubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/shellsinthebush/
DeviantArt: http://aussiesheila.deviantart.com/