About the Artist

Michela Cortese is a pastel and oil artist who divides her time between Italy and Cornwall, England. She is a lecturer in Screenwriting for Falmouth University and co-founder of the British production company OutWrd Plus.

Michela’s background in the arts began with her work as a photographer in 2009. During the years, Michela’s passion for photography and cinema has developed into an interest for other fine art practices, specifically oil and soft pastel painting.

The use of rich pigments in the form of soft pastels is now at the centre of Michela’s art. Her landscapes stem from a careful layering of high quality pastels from Colorado, Minnesota, New York, Russia, France, and England. 

Michela’s primary subjects are the English countryside, woodlands and seascapes, specifically from the county of Cornwall. These evocative images are a unique result that is intrinsic in the use of intense darks that allow for the creation of the magic light in each scene. 

Michela’s landscapes are a place where Impressionism meets the Romantic tradition due to the consistent calming, peaceful and nature-inspired aesthetic that makes every painting emotionally resonant.

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Amongst Michela’s career highlights, her work received a Special Mention in November 2025 from the organisers of the prestigious Biennale Milano Art Expo and the Italian Academy of Fine Arts, recognising her contribution to creativity within the European art scene. The recognised work was subsequently featured in the official Biennale Milano publication in 2026, which has been distributed across several European countries.

Michela’s work is currently represented by Otte Gallery in Falmouth, Cornwall, further establishing her presence within the contemporary British art scene.

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