Art Lessons & Creative Experiences for all ages

Find your creative groove.

CLICK HERE FOR Art Classes, Events & Workshops

welcome to the creative world of Island Grove Art Studio

a word from michelle about teaching

The foundation of the I'tz Just Paint art classes is formed around many classical & modern techniques for drawing, colour theory, composition, and painting. Michelle encourages students to experiment with the techniques learned to build their personal style.

Visualization & critique are a large part of being successful. These tools enable students to grow from one piece to the next. Her approach fosters self-confidence and trust in your abilities. Mediums include graphite, charcoal, soft pastels, watercolour, acrylic and oil paint. Material & surface preparation are also key to developing a thorough knowledge of the entire process of creation.

Private lessons and portfolio preparation (for secondary or post-secondary education) are also available. Please let me know if you have any questions or want to book a lesson.

Find a class or book a private lesson to suit your needs

Check my calendar for ongoing classes, events and workshops, or contact Michelle to book a private in-home lesson.

Click Here to FInd a Class

what students & parents are saying

Online reviews

A passionate and dedicated instructor

Personalized learning environment

To find out what students and business partners are saying about Island Grove Art Studio

5-Star Google Reviews

Personalized learning environment

A passionate and dedicated instructor

Personalized learning environment

Michelle consistently provides a personalized learning environment – regardless of the audience, skill level, or medium. I have been enrolled in Michelle’s class for over 10 weeks now and will most certainly continue her course, specifically for her tailored instruction. She makes sure to provide us with adequate theory (i.e. creating own colour charts, understanding values, etc.) while creating our artwork.

Michelle is personable, knowledgeable, and patient; she provides a relaxed, efficient, and fun class every time – I always look forward to attending… highlight of my week! Arina Colo

A passionate and dedicated instructor

Great conncection with students in and out of class

My admiration for Michelle started from the moment I’ve observed her passionate and creative way to work with kids. She is strategic, out-of-the-box but meanwhile grounded and hands-on. Michelle is a gifted facilitator and an expert teacher. I gained valuable insights and my personal journey was enhanced by her authentic desire to share her wisdom and perspectives doubled by her experience as a true artist. Michelle has an open and vibrant personality, she combines outstanding technical knowledge with passion and she is committed to deliver results. All these qualities make her a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend my art teacher. Angelica Milu

Great conncection with students in and out of class

We have nothing but positive comments to say on Michelle’s teaching ability. She has shown incredible patience, and dedication to your students and teaching them artistic techniques. But most of all, you have an incredible rapport and empathy with your students, particularly with our daughter E ; and we believe it is this quality that renders you most fit in the art of teaching.

Alex & Orit Porat

Note: E completed a York Region High School Arts Program with Honours.

A Small Group Atmosphere Geared for Tweens

Great conncection with students in and out of class

A Small Group Atmosphere Geared for Tweens

I signed up my daughter (then 11 years old) to take art classes with Michelle and it has been a wonderful experience for her. She has been attending weekly classes over the past year and a half and loving it. Michelle creates a wonderful small group atmosphere geared for tweens, she lets them experiment and try out many mediums and techniques. I see a lot of improvement in my daughter's art as well as her love of making art.

We have such a good experience with Michelle that I signed up for one of her adult classes as well and it's been a great experience. Diana T

A Truly Passionate Teacher

Great conncection with students in and out of class

A Small Group Atmosphere Geared for Tweens

Michelle is a truly passionate teacher who is dedicated to teaching art. Her positive impact on me extends past our time in the classroom. I have grown not only as an artist but also as a person, and I am extremely grateful for her support and inspiration.

David W.

a telented artist & gifted teacher

Michelle is a very talented artist and a gifted art teacher. Her positive approach creates an enjoyable learning environment in her class where each student gets individual attention and quality instruction. She motivates, connects, guides and encourages each student to go on the path he/she is interested to pursue. She knows how to bring out the best talents in an individual and finds the artist in each – I know for sure she did for me! She inspires and develops confidence and self expression in the young and the old. I’m so happy to have Michelle as my teacher and mentor. Sylva Sroujian

Michelle has been providing me with acrylic painting lessons since March of 2016.Michelle has provided exceptional instruction. By assessing my ability and understanding my goals, she was able to provide an environment and program that was not only educational, but fun and really allowed me to develop a passion for painting. As we went through our lessons, she was constantly refining the plan and adjusting as I progressed. Her commitment to excellence motivated me to continue with my lessons and produce pieces I was proud of.

Not only has Michelle provided me with painting instruction, I’ve also seen her interact and teach other students. Her ability to modify her teaching style to address the different needs of her students is remarkable. She constantly reinforces art theory while making the class fun, engaging and exciting.

The most impressive aspect of Michelle’s teaching is her enthusiasm for her students. She is able to present the material while projecting a composed presence, a great sense of humour and maintaining a positive learning environment.
Francis Silva, Business Engagement Management – Supply Chain, Category Management & Business Intelligence, SDM

Michelle is a passionate teacher

a telented artist & gifted teacher

When I signed up for Michelle’s ‘Exploring Artistic Techniques’ course, I hadn’t touched a paintbrush or sketch book in years. I was intimidated that I may not have the skill level to keep up, but was quickly comforted after our very first class. Michelle is a passionate teacher who loves sharing her wealth of knowledge with her students. It was exciting to try a variety of mediums in a supportive and exploratory environment. Michelle has the ability to guide you through your work, by pointing out your areas of strength, but also modeling techniques to help you improve. I’m looking forward to continuing my artistic journey with her! Erin U

Fun, Welcoming, & Inspiring

a telented artist & gifted teacher

Fun, Welcoming, & Inspiring

I’ve been taking lessons with Michelle for over 10 years, and I can’t say enough good things about her and her studio. She is incredibly professional while also making every class fun, welcoming, and inspiring. Michelle has a real gift for bringing out the best artist in each of her students, no matter their skill level. She continually encourages everyone to explore new techniques, push past comfort zones, and grow creatively. It’s a wonderful environment to learn, experiment, and develop confidence as an artist. Highly recommend! Michael Morris

an eclectic collection of art

paintings

community art events

paintings

Explore a stunning collection of paintings that showcase Michelle's unique style and use of color. From abstract to realism, each piece tells a story that will captivate your imagination.