I am Michelle Buvala, a visual artist and illustrator living in Arizona in the USA. During the cooler months of the year, my art studio is both indoors and out, right in the middle of the Mesquite tree grove out back (In the summer, no thanks, I'll stay inside with the air conditioner!). 

I love painting with watercolors, drawing with pen and ink, and making linocut prints, and my specialty is watercolor cut-paper collage. Using this artform, I have illustrated two children's books and have created art pieces and ACEOs (Art Cards and Originals) as well. 

Creating has been an important part of me from as far back as I can remember. As a matter of fact, when I think about my school years I recall art experiences more than anything else! I married the love of my life in 1987, taught grades one and three for a few years, and raised and homeschooled four wonderful kids. I have always loved making crafts with children, and during my teaching I became aware of the importance of process art for children.  Exploring it with my own kids made me want to create opportunities for children to learn about and play with art materials.