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ART THAT MAKES YOU SMILE

BROWSE ORIGINAL ART

AUDREY HEPBURN

COLLECTION

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LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

LOOKING TO ADD A SMILE TO YOUR DAY?

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FASHION ILLUSTRATIONS

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LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

HAND SIGNED WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

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FASHION ILLUSTRATIONS

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BRINGING BACK NOSTALGIC MEMORIES

Through Big Eye Portraits of Your Favourite Celebrated Personalities

THEY'RE SO FUN & WHIMSICAL THAT YOU CAN'T HELP BUT SMILE

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LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

"Michelle Vella's portraits of celebrated icons are fun and whimsical. Her distinctive “big eyes” are so unique, the faces so recognizable, creating a personal connection, bringing back nostalgic memories that makes me smile everyday."

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ORIGINAL PAINTINGS

There is only one original painting. If you don't see your favourite nostalgic icon, ask me about a custom commission. Browse my gallery and CONTACT me for more details.

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AUDREY HEPBURN COLLECTION

I’m so excited to reveal my Audrey Series in Limited Edition Print that is a part of my Audrey Hepburn Collection. Audrey is one of my favourites to paint, a film and fashion icon, a true legend.

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A PERSONAL CONNECTION

“I have a personal connection to every one of Michelle's portraits I own. They bring back that nostalgic feel good feeling that makes me happy every time I look at them.”

MY LATEST PAINTING

Barbra Streisand

"I have listened to her music for years, seen all her movies, The Way We Were, Hello Dolly, Yentl - so many nostalgic memories, just thinking about them make me happy, but seeing her portrait gives me a real connection that makes me happy everyday."

Good news, the original painting is available, acrylic on canvas 24"x 24"x 1.5". She is also available in limited edition print.

Order yours today!

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CUSTOM COMMISSIONS

CUSTOM ART COMMISSIONS

Enjoy the experience of having a custom painting by Michelle Vella. In this commission of Dolly Parton, my client requested that I base it on Dolly's portrait by Andy Warhol. Collectors find it to be the most personal art piece they own, being part of the process creates a connection that they will enjoy for years to come. Art that makes them happy everyday.

Fun Fact: Watch me painting Dolly in the first few minutes of "The Andy Warhol Diaries" Ep.1 on Netflix.

CUSTOM INQUIRIES

MUSIC LEGENDS

LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

Rock this world! All the musicians, singers and songwriters you love are in my collection of iconic ROCKSTARS, if you don't see your favourite icon, ask me about a custom commission.

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ICONIC WOMEN COLLECTION

LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

Women rock! All the women you love are in my collection of nostalgic iconic women, if you don't see your favourite icon, ask me about a custom commission.

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ICONIC MEN COLLECTION

LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

It's raining Men! All the men you love are in my collection of nostalgic iconic men, if you don't see your favourite icon, ask me about a custom commission.

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MICHELLE VELLA

"Michelle Vella's portraits of celebrated icons are fun and whimsical. Her distinctive “big eyes” are so unique, the faces so recognizable, bringing back your nostalgic memories that makes you smile, a must have!"

From her studio in Toronto, Michelle paints subjects that celebrate nostalgic pop culture. Vella's distinctive "Big Eyes" celebrity pop art portraits are story telling, fun and colorful. With collectors worldwide, her most popular artworks include Elton John, Andy Warhol and Audrey Hepburn.

Featured in publications such as Harper’s BAZAAR, W magazine, CNN Style and The Washington Post, plus TV appearances on The Feminist Perspective on PBS, The Marilyn Denis Show and Cityline. 

Contact: info@michellevella.com
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TESTIMONIALS

The Rocket Man, Limited Edition Print

"Elton John is a show piece in the waiting room or our niche therapy practice. People who visit our office report feeling happy when they look at this painting, and many are surprised to enter a small business with such an eye-catching and fun piece of art on the wall. I wanted our space to be warm, inviting, affirming, and spark joy for every person who stepped through our door. Michelle Vella's art activates the core human emotions that ignite joy, hope, and determination, and I'm thankful to share this art with the many people who visit our office." ~ Rebecca, Owner/Therapist, Ray Family Therapy

Rebecca, Ray Family Therapy @rayfamilytherapy

"Wow! as mentioned along the way, it's fabulous! we love it! Michelle, thank you for creating a lasting memory for our family and helping our Turks and Caicos villa feel more like home." ~ Mike and Line

Mike & Line, Turks and Caicos
Pop Genius, Limited Edition Print

"My husband and I arrived back home today and the two art pieces are here. We LOVE them! The framing is beautiful and they look amazing. We absolutely love your work. I wish I could put it up on so many other walls. It was hard to pick just 2. Thank you so much for taking care of the framing. We really appreciate it and look forward to enjoying your work for years to come." Ellen Levine | Toronto, ON

Ellen Levine, Toronto ON

"I had the very good fortune of discovering Michelle Vella when she appeared on the Marilyn Denis Show several years ago and instantly fell in love with her amazing work. I live on the other side of the country, and yet Michelle and I have formed a friendship through her art. I am an avid collector of her work, and the proud owner of 4 original paintings, 3 of which I commissioned, plus eight Limited Edition Prints. Her work is nostalgic, retro, current and so fun all at the same time, adding that magic to my decor. Michelle is a pleasure to work with, her dedication and attention to detail from first brush stroke to shipping is impeccable. I highly recommend Michelle not only as a talented artist but as a caring and trustworthy business owner as well." Hilary Jordan, Victoria BC.

Hilary Jordan, Victoria, B.C.

"Michelle Vella is an amazingly talented artist and a true professional. I instantly fell in love with her work at an art show and hired her for a private commission. She was extremely reliable and dedicated with an end result that far exceeded my expectations. I have since added to my Michelle Vella collection. Michelle’s work is remarkable and distinctive and continues to bring me a lot of joy and frequent compliments. I look forward to her continued creations and my next purchase!" ~ Krista L. Springstead, Toronto, ON

Krista L. Springstead, Toronto & Lake Joseph, Muskoka

“We commissioned Michelle for a painting of our new boathouse in Muskoka. Michelle was a delight to work with, very professional, easy to work with and incredibly creative. It was overall a wonderful experience.  The result was an amazing work of art that uniquely captured a very special moment and place in our lives!  We absolutely love it! Thanks Michelle for a beautiful painting which we proudly hang in our home.” Cheryl and Gary Lake Joseph, Muskoka, Canada

Cheryl and Gary, Lake Joseph, Muskoka

"Working with Michelle was lots of fun and we were thrilled with end result! Michelle worked from several photos and really listened to what was important be included and represented in the piece, from our black lab’s red collar, to the detail in my favorite scarf and the flower boxes on the dock which were made by my husband’s parents. We cherish the special summer memory that she so beautifully captured and I’m already dreaming of a winter portrait!" Michelle Doig Toronto, ON

Michelle Doig, Lake Joseph, Muskoka

“I fell in love with Michelle’s artwork on Instagram. I was drawn to the joyfulness and vivid colors of her pop art style with its clean lines and brilliant composition that captures the details and nuances of her subjects.  I commissioned Michelle to create a portrait with her fabulous Wide Big Eyes style that would capture my “happy place”, the beach. Working with her was an absolute delight. Michelle’s professional but casual approach made the entire process effortless and exciting for me. The beach portrait brings joy and sunshine into our home every day, and we absolutely love it. Thank-you Michelle!” ~ Narda Ellesmere, King City, ON, Canada

Narda Ellesmere, King City

"In rare moments in our life time you meet a person who evokes a smile from out of nowhere - like a memory from playing with childhood friends. Michelle shares her love of life with everyone she meets. Michelle’s creativity is magical. Michelle captured a subject within moments and in my case, the Princess of Thailand and ‘translated’ her inner beauty for the cover of Harper’s BAZAAR Thailand. Michelle’s philanthropic endeavours knows no boundaries. Michelle understood the importance of the China Fashion Gala bringing together a diverse community of fashion icons, international influencers, business leaders and celebrities to recognize outstanding contributions to Chinese design and innovation and to support the next generation of designers and leaders. Michelle’s donation of her work was auctioned within seconds. She has now made another person smile - with today’s times, we so need to smile."

Jeannette Chang, NYC International Editions Publisher, CR Fashion Book Former SVP Publishing Director Hearst Magazines & Harper’s BAZAAR

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Latest Print Releases

I'm delighted to announce the release of my latest BIG EYES portrait paintings now available in Limited Edition Print. Michelle Vella Art’s distinctive Big Eyes celebrity portraits are story telling,...

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