Background

Michelle Ripari who resides in Melbourne’s Western suburbs, has loved drawing for as long as she can remember. Michelle completed a Bachelor of Teaching and also a Graduate Diploma of Special Education, moving from Bendigo to work as a teacher in a specialist autistic school.

Michelle’s love for drawing was not ignited again for quite a few years due to being injured at work and subsequently diagnosed with Post Traumatic Fibromyalgia Syndrome, being a wife and very busy mum of four children. But her family kindly persisted that she pursue art and since then she has not looked back.

Although not been formally trained as an artist and solely self-taught, Michelle is continuously learning and evolving with her skills and technique. Her preferred medium includes graphite, coloured pencils and illustration using watercolour pencils and ink.

Michelle has turned full circle and has returned to teaching, inspiring others with her enthusiasm and passion for fine art. The greatest reward being the ignited confidence from participants and positive “I can do this!” attitude.