About Melissa

Born and raised in Orillia, I've had a keen interest in art from my earliest memories. Being homeschooled by my Mom, who was also an artist, I had the opportunity from a young age to explore and experiment! I was exposed to many different mediums and styles including watercolours, acrylics, graphite, digital, graphic design, textiles and functional art. This also gave me the opportunity to learn and experiment with everything from sewing to jewellery making, crocheting, knitting and pattern making! 

 

In my early teens I took a portraits course, through the City of Orillia, that unlocked a love, and ability, for realism. For many of my teen years and early twenties I was commissioned for family and pet portraits. Teaching the Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain method, which I started offering in my early twenties, exposed me to the joy of helping others grow in their art journey and ability.

I went to welding school in my mid twenties and worked with building boats, AutoCAD, CNC, design and engineering. While I wasn't working as an artist full time, my artistic skills gave me a great edge in the design world and I continued exploring my creative side, teaching and taking on commissions when I was able.

While getting married, in 2008, and having and homeschooling my children occupied most of my days for the next ten years, in the last few years, I have been able to start teaching and creating artwork again! I have developed an active teaching schedule in Severn and the Muskokas as well as a regular studio practice.

Last spring I participated in a 100 Day Challenge for artists. From February to May, 2024, I completed 100 paintings in 100 days. I have to say that this experience grew me in ways I could not imagine, not only artistically, but personally and professionally! If you visit my Instagram page you can see my original posts and process videos for each of the 100 days. At the end, I compiled all of the paintings, and my thoughts through the time, into a book! The book, prints and other products I made from some of the paintings have been exceptionally well received and I have been so grateful for the support, both local and internationally!

My primary signatures are vibrant sunset skylines, landscapes, nature and realism. I offer a wide range of products made from my artwork, as well as watercolour and acrylic original works. From greeting cards to stickers, bags to bookmarks, small, medium and larger works of art that can be found at several artisan stores in the Simcoe and Muskoka areas. I strive to offer something for everyone and a way for people of all ages, and budgets, to be able to engage with, and enjoy, my artwork!

While, for many years, I was not very connected with the local arts community, over the last few years I have become quite involved in several groups from the Simcoe and Muskoka areas. Seeing a need for renewed community in the Orillia area, this past year I also formed the Orillia Arts Club. With the goal of growing local artists personally, artistically and professionally, we currently meet twice a month to discuss, connect and inspire each other in our journeys.