As a sophomore in High School, Melinda's art teacher
introduced her to watercolors. She became so comfortable with this
medium that by senior year she took first place in the All High School
Art Show, which included four other schools. Although Melinda took lots
of art in school, the teachers never taught her how to paint. In fact,
she'd never seen anyone paint in the tight dry brush style that she uses
now until years later.
When Melinda started to take her art seriously, she
began donating original paintings to annual fundraisers for the hospital
and the local Rotary club. She remembers being shocked when one of the
paintings was purchased for $4,400. It was around this time that Melinda
was invited to participate in "Studies in Watercolor", a four artist
show at the Lancaster Museum and Art Gallery . It was the first show of
it's kind at this museum (devoted only to watercolor) and she was
honored to be the only local artist asked to participate. Not long after
this, she began to submit her work to various companies in the art
industry.
How do I begin?
Once I have a backdrop, such as a period home or garden,
I will set up the scene with live models and then take photographs. I
use these photographs as reference for my paintings. I do all the
photography as well as design and sew many of the clothes that appear in
my paintings. Each painting averages 150 - 200 hours to complete. The
prep work, photo shoots, finding models and backgrounds as well as
creating or finding the clothing for each painting takes an additional
week or better.
How do I find my models for my paintings?
Some are friends or friends of friends. There have been
times (especially when I was new to my area) that I had to literally
pluck folks right out of the mall. When I needed a handsome man and his
son for "In His Footsteps", I ended up finding them at the mall. You can
imagine what people are thinking when I first approach them!
Where do I get my inspiration?
I believe my ability is a God given gift. He continues
to guide what I do every day. I feel very, very blessed.
