Hello, I'm Michelle
Welcome to The Sleepy Easel — a little corner of the internet where art meets nature, and every painting tells a story. Operating on 10% energy and 90% creativity.
My Story
I'm an artist based in the United Kingdom, Cornwall. I found my way into art during covid as a way to manage my mental health. With my diagnosis of chronic fatigue, I was no longer able to continue working, at least not a normal 9-5 job. So, I turned back to my trusted friend, art. Through art I'm managing my health and my energy. It allows me to still feel like I can do something productive.
What The Sleepy Easel Stands For
The brand celebrates slow creativity, dreamy atmospheres, and the kind of humour that comes from being perpetually tired but still deeply imaginative. It centres the idea that art made in small bursts, with long pauses, is still art — worthy, meaningful, and resonant. Chronic fatigue isn't hidden here; it's woven into the texture of the work, shaping a style that's tender, whimsical, and honest.
The Visual and Emotional World
The Sleepy Easel's imagery leans into cosy studios, moonlit palettes, and creatures who embody gentle exhaustion. Everything feels a little dreamy, a little foggy, a little magical. The brand's tone is warm, self-aware, and softly humorous — inviting people to smile at the absurdity of being tired all the time while still wanting to make beautiful things.
My Process
Each piece begins as a feeling, a drifting thought which somehow forms a life of its own. I work primarily in acrylic paint, layering colour to bring that feeling to life on canvas. No two pieces are ever the same.
Solo exhibition at TERAVARNA
Explore ten of my acrylic paintings, from moonlit woodlands to dreamlike seas, in my online solo exhibition at TERAVARNA. The exhibition also shares the story behind The Sleepy Easel, and how painting became a quieter way of finding wonder.
View the exhibition at TERAVARNA (opens in a new tab).
Original Paintings & Art Prints
Whether you're a collector seeking an original work or looking for a beautiful print to bring warmth to your home, every piece in the shop has been created with care and intention. I hope my art brings as much joy to your space as it brings me to create it.
Why It Matters
For many artists, chronic fatigue changes how creativity flows. The Sleepy Easel exists to show that this slower rhythm isn't a limitation — it's a different kind of artistry. It honours pacing, rest, and the quiet persistence required to keep creating when energy is scarce. It offers representation, comfort, and a sense of belonging to anyone who makes things in the margins of their capacity.
The Invitation
The Sleepy Easel welcomes dreamers, makers, and beautifully tired souls into a world where art is allowed to be slow, soft, and imperfect. It's a brand built on gentleness — toward the body, toward the process, and toward the creative spirit that keeps glowing even on the low-energy days.
Get in Touch
I'd love to hear from you — whether you have a question about a piece, are interested in a commission, or simply want to say hello. Feel free to reach out via the contact page.