ART THAT MAKES YOU SMILE
ART THAT MAKES YOU SMILE
We don’t connect to icons because they’re like us. We connect because they reflect something in us.
More Than Nostalgia
Hi, I’m Michelle Vella — a Toronto-based pop artist known for my bold, vibrant portraits and signature big eyes style.
I’ve always been fascinated by the emotional connection we form with cultural icons — not just because of who they were, but because of what they reflect back to us.
The music we played on repeat. The films that shaped us. The figures who made us feel seen, understood, braver, or a little more ourselves.
My work isn’t about recreating the past — it’s about reconnecting with the parts of us that still live there.
I believe we’re drawn to certain icons because they mirror something personal: confidence, vulnerability, rebellion, elegance, resilience. When someone connects with one of my portraits, it’s rarely accidental — it’s recognition.
My goal is to create art that doesn’t just live on your walls, but lives with you — art that makes you smile, reflect, and feel something familiar every time you pass by.
WAYS TO COLLECT THE ART
AVAILABLE
ORIGINAL PAINTINGS
One-of-a-kind works created by hand in the studio.
For collectors seeking a singular, deeply personal connection.
LIMITED EDITION
GICLEE PRINTS
Archival fine art reproductions of the original paintings. Hand-signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
LIMITED EDITION
HD METAL PRINTS
High-gloss metal prints with rich color and depth. Limited editions of 50, professionally framed and ready to hang.
COLLECTIONS
Explore the icons you recognize yourself in.
COLLECTION
MUSIC LEGENDS
Icons who shaped how we feel, remember, and express ourselves. Artists whose influence still reflects something personal in us today.
COLLECTION
HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS
Timeless icons whose presence defined generations. Celebrated for their confidence, complexity, and individuality.
MOST POPULAR
BEST SELLERS
The portraits collectors return to again and again. Chosen for their bold style, emotional connection, and lasting impact.
ABOUT
MICHELLE VELLA
Michelle Vella is a Toronto-based pop artist known for her bold, vibrant portraits and signature big eyes style.
Her work explores the emotional connection we form with cultural icons — not just because of who they were, but because of what they reflect back to us. Confidence. Vulnerability. Reinvention. Joy.
Through colour, expression, and nostalgia, Michelle creates art that feels personal — art that makes you smile, recognize yourself, and feel something familiar every time you see it.
What Our Collectors Are Saying
★★★★★We love it SO much! After losing our home in the Paradise fire, we rebuilt over our Donky barn and call our home the Honky Chateau. Your Elton John 'Honky Cat' couldn’t be more perfect for this space and already brings smiles to us and our guests!
Melissa S.
Paradise, CA
★★★★★Your art adds a very special touch to our love of color, history, and balance in our home, reminding us each day of where we come from. You are so talented, I just love it!!!!
Matt T.
Georgetown, Washington D.C.
★★★★★Wow! We just received the HD Metal Print! What a packing job and what a great piece of art. We love it!
Jeff F.
Voorhees Township, NJ
★★★★★Yay!!! I’m so happy to be starting my Michelle Vella Collection! I love my Freddie Mercury origninal painting, and couldn't resist getting your Lady Gaga and Karl Lagerfeld all in B&W.
Believe me, I’ll buy more. I’m in love! ♥️♥️♥️♥️Melissa R.
Aventura, FL
★★★★★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. 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
Cypress, TX
★★★★★I am an avid collector of Michelle's work, and the proud owner of 4 original paintings, 3 of which I commissioned, plus 10 Limited Edition Prints. Her work is nostalgic, retro, current and so fun all at the same time, adding that magic to my decor.
Hilary J.
Victoria, BC
★★★★★Honestly, this David Bowie print has saved my marriage haha. My husband never has anything to say about the art I put up in our house unless it's in the living room. I'm a graphic designer by trade, so I'm very picky about what I put on my walls. We've gone back and forth for months now and then I stumbled upon your work and we both agreed that David Bowie will be perfect hanging above our couch. We're thrilled! ~ Amber
Amber K.
Roswell, GA
★★★★★Michelle’s creativity is magical. She captured a subject so perfectly and in my case, the Princess of Thailand and ‘translated’ her inner beauty for the cover of Harper’s BAZAAR Thailand. ~ Jeannette Chang, NYC International Editions Publisher, CR Fashion Book Former SVP Publishing Director Hearst Magazines & Harper’s BAZAAR
Jeannette Chang
New York, NY
★★★★★We absolutely love your work. It was hard to pick just 2, they look amazing. We look forward to enjoying your work for years to come. We LOVE them!
Ellen L.
Toronto, ON
ORIGINAL PAINTINGS
CUSTOM COMMISSIONS
A deeply personal way to capture a story, a loved one, or an icon that holds meaning for you.
Each commission is created with care, collaboration, and emotional connection.
COLLECTION
ICONIC WOMEN
Portraits of women celebrated for strength, creativity, individuality, and confidence. Icons who continue to reflect something powerful back to us.
COLLECTION
ICONIC MEN
Cultural icons known for their influence, vulnerability, rebellion, and vision. Figures who left a lasting impression — because we recognize something of ourselves in them.
BECOME A VIP
BECOME A VIP
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