Diane Michelin is a Canadian watercolour artist whose work is deeply rooted in the spirit and subtleties of fly fishing. Born in Montreal, she now lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Diane draws inspiration from the landscape, water, wildlife, flies, rods and reels, and the human moments that make up the fly-fishing experience. Over her career, she has built a global presence, with her work housed in private collections, fishing lodges, and museums around the world.
In this episode of Anchored, Diane shares how her early years, teaching career, and travels led her to become one of Canada’s most recognizable fly fishing artists and the illustrator behind The World Through Your Eyes, April Vokey’s upcoming children’s book.
Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/
Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com
Outline Of This Episode
[0:06] Growing up in Montreal and discovering art
[2:24] Finding independence through teaching and travel
[6:00] How meeting Denny led to her first cast
[10:43] Falling in love with fly fishing and painting fish
[13:50] Turning passion into a profession
[20:57] Evolving artistic style and the joy of small works
[22:38] Life on Vancouver Island and family connections
[30:10] Reflections on aging, creativity, and love
[47:04] Working with April Vokey on The World Through Your Eyes
Growing Up in Montreal and Discovering Art
Diane was born in Montreal in 1953 and adopted by a loving family at two and a half years old. Though shy as a child, she found her voice through creative outlets. This came first in drama and synchronized swimming, and later in art. Those activities helped her overcome a speech impediment and shaped her belief that expression often begins where words fall short.
By fifteen, she’d opened her own synchronized swimming club, competing provincially and nationally before realizing her deeper passion lay elsewhere: art. That calling led her to Paris, where she studied painting and design for a year before returning home to teach.
Finding Independence Through Teaching and Travel
Before art became her full-time pursuit, Diane taught French and history in Quebec and Ontario. She was the kind of teacher who found unconventional ways to inspire her students, using theatre, storytelling, and puppetry to reach even the shyest kids. Her lessons often turned into creative projects that stayed with them for years.
Her teaching career also took her around the world. From organizing school trips to China and Greece to speaking at conferences, she always wove art and adventure together. These experiences expanded her worldview and reinforced her love for culture, people, and discovery.
How Meeting Denny Led to Her First Cast
Life took a new turn when Diane met Denny, a teacher and fly fisher with a voice she describes as “irresistible.” Their connection was immediate, and soon after meeting, he invited her to join him on a trip to British Columbia. She had never fished before, but love has a way of making anything seem possible.
Diane found herself on the banks of the Kitimat River with a fly rod in hand, laughing through back pain, tangled lines, and sunburns. It was both frustrating and magical, and the beginning of a passion that would define the next two decades of her life.
Falling in Love with Fly Fishing and Painting Fish
As Diane learned to fish, she began seeing the river differently. The movement of the water, the rhythm of casting, and the fleeting flash of a fish all became inspiration for her art. Denny encouraged her to explore this connection, reminding her that few artists painted fly fishing in a way that captured both its spirit and intimacy.
Soon, she began painting fish, anglers, and the rivers she loved. Each brushstroke reflected her fascination with detail, from the shimmer of a trout’s scales to the soft light of a misty morning. Her art caught the attention of galleries and collectors across North America.
Evolving Artistic Style and the Joy of Small Works
Over time, Diane’s art evolved from highly detailed realism to something looser and more emotional. When the pandemic arrived, she shifted to daily challenges, such as painting 100 portraits in 100 days or 365 sketches in a year. These exercises rekindled her joy for painting and helped her develop a more spontaneous, expressive style.
Today, she prefers painting small, affordable works that connect with people personally. For her, it’s less about perfection and more about emotion, the feeling of a moment captured on paper.
Reflections on Creativity, Family, and Collaboration
Diane now lives on Vancouver Island, where she finds peace in its quiet rhythms and coastal scenery. She continues to paint, teach workshops, and share her love of art with others. Her story is one of resilience and reinvention, a reminder that creativity never stops evolving, no matter your age or circumstances.
Working with April Vokey on The World Through Your Eyes
Diane’s collaboration with April Vokey on The World Through Your Eyes marked a meaningful chapter in her artistic journey. The children’s book blends April’s storytelling with Diane’s expressive watercolours, encouraging young readers to slow down and see nature with curiosity and care.
Both women share a deep respect for wild places, and their partnership highlights the connection between fly fishing, creativity, and conservation. The project stands as a timeless reminder of how art and nature continue to inspire one another.
Discover More From Diane Michelin
To explore Diane Michelin’s artwork and follow her creative process, visit her Instagram at @dimipaints. There, she shares her studio work, nature-inspired paintings, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her illustration projects.
For updates on The World Through Your Eyes, the children’s book written by April Vokey and illustrated by Diane, and for more stories that connect art, fly fishing, and the outdoors, visit www.TheWorldThroughYourEyes.com or follow April Vokey on social media:
Instagram: @Anchored_Outdoors
Facebook: @AnchoredOutdoorsOfficial
YouTube: Anchored with April Vokey
