This Artist Profile appeared today in Busybird Publishing's newsletter 'From the Nest: September 2013'
Why did you get into painting?
 Driving through Kapunda on a holiday in South Australia I stumbled 
across 'Salon Rouge', the Studio Gallery of a magnificent artist, 
Jacqueline Coates.  Jacqueline's sublime and breathtaking floral 
paintings opened my eyes to a whole new world and my subsequent 
mentorship with Jacqueline filled a creative void and gave new meaning 
to my life.
What do you feel you get from painting?
Painting gives me the chance to revel in the beauty of nature – which 
is my inspiration – and to create pieces which will uplift and inspire.
What do you see in nature?
I see a sacred beauty in the natural world and personality in 
individual trees and flowers  – I feel such an intimacy with my painting
 subjects that my paintings feel more like portraits than traditional 
florals and when I'm surrounded by my paintings I feel like I am amongst
 treasured friends.
You had a life-changing event -- how did that affect your art?
A beautiful vision of a light-filled rose-garden following emergency 
brain surgery illuminated my path forward as an artist.  I could see the
 world with new eyes  – I feel constantly amazed by the beauty and 
wonder around me and have a burning desire to share my vision of hope 
and inspiration with the world through my art.
What's next?
I am currently painting a body of work entitled 'The Radiance of 
Roses'  – glorious rose portraits on circular canvases  – with the view 
of exhibiting the work and producing an inspiring gift book to accompany
 the show.
What advice would you give to other artists?
Find a subject matter you are truly passionate about, because that love
 will shine through in your paintings.  Surround yourself with 
inspiration. Take the time to visit galleries and attend workshops.
Michelle Endersby's exhibition, 'Floribunda', 
is currently displaying at the Busybird Studio ~ Gallery until 14th September.