Illustration by Michelle Morin

Now that summer has arrived I’m trying to ride my bike or walk to work as much as possible. I’m convinced that I’m getting a tan already but it’s likely just the tinted moisturizer I’m using! Aside from the glorious sunshine that summer brings, there is also a plethora of greenery and trees full of flitting fowls to admire. Sometimes, when I’m in a really good mood on my walks, the birds make me feel as if I am Cinderella. I am convinced that at any moment they will bring forth a ball gown in their tiny beaks and whistle to me that I am late for the ball (when in actuality, I’m just late for work).

Watercolorist Michelle Morin has developed a certain intimacy with fowl and flora as well. She is an artist who takes notice of nature in its entirety — from tiny insects, to lush leaves, unique flowers, birds of all sizes and even the various breeds of whales within the sea.

Currently residing in Salem, Massachusetts with her painter fiancé, Michelle is one of the most masterful watercolorists I have come across. Unlike so many watercolor paintings, which involve delineated blocks of color; Michelle does not fear the layering of paint. She even uses lighter colors on top of dark — a technique which takes a great deal of patience while waiting for the initial foundation to dry. All of this is necessary however, to create these beautifully detailed images.

When looking at these scenes, note the detail within every feather and leaf. Morin’s time spent working at a plant farm and greenhouse is entirely evident in the way she portrays nature. All of these are available in print format in Michelle’s Etsy shop United Thread.