I'm Melissa

Do you see the beauty in everyday things? Like REALLY see? When looking outside, I seek a poetic thread between light, shadows and subject matter. This play of light is what inspires me to paint. Painting gives me a chance to catch a moment in time of simple, stunning beauty that can be so easily missed. I hope my paintings give you a chance to look a little longer at the world around you!

I paint on both watercolor paper in traditional methods and batik on rice papers. Batik is a multi-layer process involving layers and layers of wax and watercolors. It requires both patience and planning as you build your layers of watercolor and wax on very thin paper. I have a vision, but because the work is hidden beneath the wax (as the wax obscures the developing painting), I am unable to see the painting coming together until the wax is taken off at the very end. The finished work of art is engaging as you continually discover fascinating details that have gone unnoticed in textures and color blends!

My paintings have been exhibited in state and national shows. Awards include the Iowa Watercolor Society (IWS), Red River Watercolor Society, Minnesota Watercolor Society, NorthStar Water media Society and others. I hold signature membership with IWS and working on adding more!AWARDS2024Award of Excellence: Siouxland Artists Show Merchandise Award-Holbein; 31st Annual Red River Watercolor National Exhibition Award of Merit: Minnesota Watercolor Society, Spring Show Honorable Mention: Women in Watercolor2nd Place: 47th Iowa Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition2023Honorable Mention: Orange City Arts Transparent Award: 46th Annual Iowa Watercolor Society Wet Paint Award II: NorthStar National Water media Society People's Choice Award: Iowa Watercolor Society Online Members Show1st Place: Iowa Artists Regional Show People's Choice Award: Iowa Artists State Show1st Place: Iowa Artists Regional Show People's Choice Award: Iowa Artists State Show2022Merit Award: Red River Watercolor National Exhibition2nd Honorable Mention: Great Plains Watercolor Society Invitational

My art business has been designated as a "Trusted Art Seller" with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that I stand behind the quality and value of my products.