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Hi there, my name is Melissa and I’m an artist living and working in Melbourne, Australia. Although I’ve been painting, drawing, and taking photographs on and off for my entire life, I’m what you call an “emerging artist” – I’m just starting out with putting myself and my art out into the world.

My art practice is heavily influenced by my professional career as a graphic designer, resulting in bold linework, defined shapes, and vivid colour palettes. I mainly strive to capture the beauty of the Australian landscape, although I do also enjoy the odd still life here and there.

I typically work from my own photographs and field sketches, which later inform my exploration in the studio. My work is predominantly in acrylic paint or oil pastel. I don’t seek to create a direct representation of a place, but delight in playing with colour, intensifying hues to reflect the strength of emotions evoked by the experience of being in a landscape.

As a photographer, I’m simply operating on instinct – exploring the world around me. As Garry Winogrand said, “I photograph to see what the world looks like in photographs.” As with painting, I’m usually initially drawn to a scene by its colour. However, with my photography, I prefer to explore more urban and suburban scenes rather than landscapes.

If I could paint like a cross between Van Gogh, Andre Derain, and Ken Done, I’d feel quite content! I’d love to hear from you – whether you have something to say about my work, or would like to enquire about purchasing one (!)