Trail Skipper

Woman in outdoor gear crouching in a forest, taking a photo with a smartphone.
A woman in a bright yellow jacket and a floral skirt is standing on a grassy field, taking photos of a large tree with her camera.
A woman standing on a rock, smiling, with a backpack, in a forested outdoor setting near a river.

Hello, I’m Michelle, the artist behind Trail Skipper.

After years working in outdoor retail, restoration ecology, and software analytics, I transitioned to art full-time in 2023, combining my love of nature with my desire to create.

My work is inspired by real moments I encounter on hikes throughout the Pacific Northwest. Whether it’s a bird perched on a fence post, a leaf that catches my eye along the trail, or a fleeting wildlife encounter, I’m drawn to the small details that make the natural world so remarkable. I explore a range of techniques—including digital illustration, printmaking, and wood-based work—to translate those observations into art.

I believe art rooted in nature does more than decorate—it can ground us, inspire us, and foster a deeper connection to the world around us. Through greeting cards and paper goods, I hope to share those moments of wonder and encourage others to slow down, look closely, and connect with the natural world in their own lives.

Contact Me

My Process

Every Trail Skipper design begins with a real-world encounter. I spend a lot of time outdoors exploring trails throughout the Pacific Northwest, camera in hand, documenting wildlife, plants, and the small moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Some observations fade quickly, while others stay with me and eventually become the foundation for a new piece.

Back in the studio, I transform those reference photos into original artwork using digital illustration. From there, a design may evolve into a detailed digital piece. Alternatively, I might simplify it into a stylized block print.

Either way, the final step is turning that artwork into greeting cards. I love this format because it makes original art accessible, giftable, and easy to share—allowing a moment of connection with nature to travel from one person to another.

Prints of black and white illustrations of a bird's head with detailed feathers, mounted on paper and displayed on a rack

Golden-Crowned Sparrow

A sweet backyard visitor during the depths of winter. I was inspired by the Golden-crowned Sparrow’s quiet resilience and the bold streak of yellow atop its head. These charming birds bring life and warmth to an otherwise dreary winter landscape.

The Golden-crowned Sparrow was the second print design I ever made. Because I use oil-based ink when printing, I was able to add color with watercolor paint.

Later on, I made a much larger version of the Sparrow design, upcycling a used canvas and frame to create a fresh piece of art for a local school fundraiser.

Western Bluebird

While hiking around Stone Creek Golf Course, I stopped in my tracks when I spotted these Western Bluebirds. Once abundant across western Oregon, they’ve become a rarer sight due to habitat loss and competition from invasive species like starlings. Their vivid blue feathers, rosy undersides, and soft pale bellies create a stunning color palette.

A small bird with brown and blue feathers perched on a wooden post.
A black and white linocut print of a mountain landscape with tall pine trees and a bird perched on a branch in the foreground.
A black and white linocut print of a bird, likely a mountain bird, with a mountain and trees in the background, on a piece of white paper. Four colorful markers are laid out next to the paper on a wooden surface.
A stylized illustration of a bird perched on a tree stump with a mountain in the background, trees, and a sunset or sunrise sky with colored lines.

I later turned this design into “coloring cards”, with sales supporting Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project.

A black-capped chickadee perched on a pine branch, with blurred bokeh background.
A black-capped chickadee perched on a pine branch, with blurred bokeh background.

(My little) Chickadee

An incredible bird-filled hike in Anacortes. Early spring in the Pacific Northwest is a sight to behold. My favorite of the day - a curious Black-capped Chickadee perched above the trail, peering at me from the safety of an evergreen branch.

A close-up of a small bird with black, white, and brown feathers perched on a green pine branch with a blurred natural background.
A brown sparrow peeking out from a crevice of dark, rocky surface with moss.
A black and white illustration of a bearded man's profile, on a card, with wooden objects and stones placed nearby.

One look at my wholesale gallery and you'll see the heavy influence of this hike on my work. This curious little chickadee inspired one of my favorite hand-printed card designs.