Meet the Artist
Michelle Whitmore
A little bit about me!
Michelle: Artist, photographer, author, gardener, LEGO builder and grandmother.
I've been a professional photographer for nearly 20 years, specialising in floral art, garden, and insect photography.
As I turned 60, I've allowed myself to have the courage to call myself an "Artographer"; a creator who lives at the intersection of traditional fine art and modern digital techniques. My passion is taking everyday subjects out of their natural environments, infusing them with unexpected textures and some digital magic, and applying a touch of embellishments to create unique, contemporary surrealist pieces that maintain a beautifully organic look.
What is an Artographer?
Digital Artist + Photographer = Artographer
Artography is a unique blend of digitally manipulated photography and design. Photos are captured, edited, and creatively blended together through layers and textures in digital software. Each artography piece tells a story through merging the visuals into a cohesive piece.
Where it all began!
My interest in photography started when studying for my Open University Environmental Science degree and played an important part in my studies and recording work in the field.
Today, my inspiration comes from the subjects in my garden, both floral and seasonal, the textures and the gardens many inhabitants.
I occasionally dabble in studio portraiture too.
I also love to learn new skills, so delving deep into Photoshop and combining it with my photography has been an enlighteninging experience and has taken my digital art to another level, producing some "interesting" combinations; a bit like the "dress" on the left!
What inspires me?
I ignored the pull to acknowledge my inner artist for many years, probably because I can't paint or draw.
However, I do have an imagination and have inspiration all around me! Here are a few . . .
Mother Nature
My work is heavily influenced by the ever changing Seasons, the flora that grows in my garden, and the continuous stream of visitors we welcome throughout the year.
Our Travels
We love to cruise and wake up in a different destination every day. The variation of places we visit provide interesting backgrounds to many of my creations.
Pre-Raphaelite Muses
Living just a few miles from the country home of Pre-Raphaelite muse, Jane Morris and her husband William, it's easy to be inspired by such an enterprising lady.
A few things about me!
An insight into some of the other passions and guilty pleasures in my world.
Flowers + Gardens
Nothing like an inspiring garden!
Heavy Metal
Loud music helps me to create
Fast Jets
Speed & agility = breath-taking.
Tapophile
A passion for cemeteries.
Lego
The ability to unwind & relax
Spiders
A gardeners best friend.
Oh, and did I mention our passion for building sheds OR our 5 crazy felines & nutty Huskita?
Exhibitions
2026 Swindon Open Studios - The Barn, Stanton Fitzwarren
2025 Swindon Open Studios - The Barn, Stanton Fitzwarren
2025 SWAF - I
SOS - The Carriageworks, Swindon
2025 Mixed Media MAYhem - The Barn, Stanton Fitzwarren
2024 Swindon Open Studios - The Barn, Stanton Fitzwarren
2023 Open Exhibition - Woodborough Club, Pewsey
2023 Swindon Open Studios - The Barn, Stanton Fitzwarren
2017 Royal Photographic Society Members’ Biennial Exhibition "Contemplating a Bug's Life"
Qualifications & Accolades
2026 Member of Team UK - World Photographic Cup
2025 20x16" Illustrative Photographer of the Year 2025 - Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers
2024 20x16" Creative Portrait Photographer of the Year 2024 - Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers
2019 Fellowship Qualification (Illustrative) - Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers
2016 Associate Qualification (Creative) - Royal Photographic Society