The past few days I have been working hard in the studio doing some rather interesting tasks. I'll tell you about just one which was actually cutting up paintings!  These are some items that I kept on my table thinking they'd inspire me in a new way and I could breathe different light into the artwork.  After several passes at these, I realized they really just wanted to be released, let go, freed.  So I sent them on their way in the most loving way I knew how - I cut them into individual pieces the size of baseball trading cards!  But not to worry, because now they have done their job.  They've inspired me.  They'll become thank you cards into each of my shipments.  A bit of behind the scenes for you seeing my process and mistakes and parts of what may have been an original attempt at a piece of my art you've invited into your home.  I'm totally geeked about this!  

I mentioned yesterday on my IG account that somedays I feel like the hare, and other days I feel like a tortoise.  Yesterday was a tortoise day.  I've so much on my mind, still the heaviness of the "what if" statement I mentioned a few posts ago.   For now, I'm going to stay in tortoise, conserve some energy, and keep aiming to post daily.   I'm having such a good time in this space! 

It might be interesting for you to know the tortoise on the card I posted yesterday is a method I utilize to re-purpose artwork I'm not crazy about as a whole piece of art; but I do love the designs and colors in it.  Upon closer inspection I could NOT see anything BUT a turtle shell.  From there, I created a series of cards that are Eric Carl inspired notecards.  There's a set of tortoise cards, and two sets of bird cards.  One of the sets is a series telling a very sweet story about some love birds.  At some point I'll make these cards free gifts with orders. 

In the meantime, be safe, be happy, watch out for allergies and keep your eyes open to the beauty around you.  XO - Melissa

My latest IG post shows me painting on a massive canvas.  In the middle of nowhere.  Or is it ... ? 
​Name that place.  XO - Melissa

I'm not saying this lightly.  Today is Wednesday, April 21, 2021.  A week ago here in my hometown it was in the 60's and sunny.  Last night it snowed - inches.  I've never seen our tree boughs touching the ground from the weight of the snow!  Gorgeous though it was, I am happier to see the trees blooming.  The snow is all gone now, but it's left a mental scar :D  
Today - a good day. A productive few hours in the studio, and slowly moving things back to an organized state which is making me more calm.  I hope you enjoy the latest painting I've uploaded to the site and to social media.  I appreciate your support!   XO - Melissa

... that not everything was quite ready, but I was jumping in anyway?  
Yeah - that's still true.  Yo, it's only been 24 hours!  
That being said, after too much time trying to figure out my logo and how to make it work in the ways I want it to work, I stepped out of my own thoughts and went to the studio and BAM.  The idea came together.  And with a bit of artwork by my husband (a talented doodler in his own right) the paint your own bookmark is born.  Now to get it formally designed and printed is/are the next step(s).  

Also - started a new IG account @artbymelissa.gallery.  and when I say "started", I mean that literally because I *just* opened the account.  Because - why not?  XO

All right people.  I'm getting closer to launch.  I have a few heavy topics rattling around my brain.  
I won't bore you with the details, to summarize though it's fair enough to say they are topics general enough in nature you could very well be thinking the same things.  Things like "should I do this, or that?".  And "what am I having for dinner?".  And "please hurry up with the next season of Ted Lasso".  And the eternal question of "WHAT IF (fill in the blank)".   

Over the past several weeks I've been (virtually) rolling deep with Ethan Hawke.  Ethan's (yes, we're clearly on first name basis now)  TED talk last year has just been stuck on repeat in my head. In my journal. When I'm in my studio.  When I'm updating my website.   His words just rang so true for me because of the path I'm currently pursuing. 

I've decided this week will be a breakthrough week for me in putting my art out into the world. 
One social media post and one blog update each day.  Let's take this baby out for a spin!  XO
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