Celebrating Colour with Michelle Stringer and Nelli Begg
'Celebrating Colour' with artists Michelle Stringer and Nelli Begg. Running until Friday 27th June at the National Trust of Guernsey's Art at The Park Gallery, The Folk and Costume Museum, Saumarez Park.
Michelle Stringer is a Guernsey-based artist whose journey into the visual arts began with a strong academic foundation. She studied at Macclesfield College, completing a foundation course in art, before earning her degree from Manchester Metropolitan University between 2010 and 2013. Her education developed both her technical skills and her appreciation for art history, laying the groundwork for a diverse and expressive artistic practice.
During her studies, Michelle co-founded Studio Four Gallery in Macclesfield with fellow artists, creating an exciting platform for local talent. She later became part of Makers’ Place, a creative collective also based in Macclesfield, where she continued to grow within a supportive artistic community.
Her work has been exhibited in various locations across the UK and Guernsey. She received an award in the Macclesfield Open Art Exhibition in 2015 and was honoured with trophies at Guernsey’s Eisteddfod in 2021, 2023, and 2025. In 2023, she was also selected for the prestigious Fox Art Competition Exhibition.
From 2019 to 2023, Michelle served as President of the Sarnia Arts and Crafts Club (SACC), where she championed creative expression and community engagement. Her leadership strengthened her belief in the power of art to connect, uplift, and inspire.
Working primarily in oils and oils mixed with cold wax, Michelle is drawn to the tactile nature of her materials - enjoying the process of layering, scraping back and building texture. She is fascinated by the interplay of colour and surface, often drawing inspiration from the landscapes and natural hues of Guernsey, France and Spain. Her influences include the expressive energy immediacy of the Impressionists and the vibrant, organic forms and palette of Gaudí’s architecture.
Her latest exhibition, Celebrating Colour, invites viewers to feel rather than just see—offering bold, expressive works that evoke joy, memory, and emotional resonance.
Nelli Begg is a self-taught watercolour artist who lives in the beautiful island of Guernsey. Originally born in Russia, she discovered her passion for painting through experimentation and a deep admiration for the works of famous artists. Fascinated by the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of watercolour, Nelli embraces its fluidity to create expressive, dynamic pieces. Using bright, joyful colours, her work reflects the beauty and spirit of Guernsey, transforming everyday moments into lively, uplifting artworks. Her paintings are more than just images; they are a celebration of the island’s energy, warmth, and unique coastal charm. Actively participating in local exhibitions, Nelli continues to share her unique perspective, inviting viewers to experience the beauty and freedom that watercolour offers. She participated in Guernsey Arts Open and Fox Open exhibitions. Nelli won Trophies in 2023 and 2025 at Guernsey Eisteddfod exhibitions, her painting “New Pupil” was featured in Guernsey Anniversary stamp collection in 2024. She won a prestigious Winston Award at the Talp Art Open exhibition in 2024. Nelli’s work was featured in Art of the Watercolour and Leisure Painter magazines. Her painting “Homecoming” is displayed at Candie Museum as a part of the “ Dear Unknown Friend” exhibition.
"My Story, My Journey" by Nelli Begg
My artistic journey has taken a long and unusual road. Born in the USSR, in the grey and monochromic reality of Soviet Russia, I have been fascinated by the intricacies and diversity of faces and figures as far back as I can remember.
My art classes at school were something that I looked forward to every week! I never had any formal education in art. My other passion was languages and I pursued a career as an interpreter. Many years later, living in North Wales, with my family and surviving through the trying times of the lockdown, I turned to art. Watercolour was a ray of sunshine in the dark reality of restrictions and isolation. Once I started, I couldn't stop! I loved the essence of watercolour, so spontaneous, unpredictable, fresh and lively.
I have learned a lot about watercolour through experimenting and studying the works of artists I admire. I have finished a watercolour course at London art college with distinction and have taken part in various workshops and classes.
"My Life Now"
I now live in beautiful Guernsey with my husband, our wonderful son and one very charming tortoise, Fredson. We are so lucky here with unspoilt beaches, crystal clear water, stunning cliff paths ... Inspiration is everywhere you look. I love sketching the sea, boats, flowers but portrait and animal painting remains my first love.
Exhibitions: January 2023 Guernsey Eisteddfod Society exhibition at Beau Sejour awarded Advocate le Patourel Trophy for the best individual exhibit | July 2023 Sarnia Arts Exhibition at Blanchelande College Guernsey | October 2023 Guernsey Arts Open Exhibition at George Crossan Gallery | October 2023 Renoir inspired winter exhibition at Sula Gallery Guernsey | November 2023 Fox Art Exhibition at Berni Gallery Jersey.
The Art at The Park Gallery at the Folk and Costume Museum is open 7 days a week between 10am – 5pm. (Last entry 4.15pm).
Free Entry | Access-friendly and suitable for all ages.
A warm welcome awaits!
