Recent Work
Cara, Oil Painting on Canvas
This painting was commisioned by a mother who wanted me to capture the innocence, sensitivity and purity of her young daughter. It is painted in oils on board. The child had stunning blue eyes and beautiful warm skin tones. These were emphasised by the deep green background.
Ulrika Shines, Oil painting on board
This painting was commissioned by a very good friend of the sitter as a gift to celebrate their 30 years of friendship. The flowers on her head are from a bouquet the sitter got at her 50th Birthday party. The client wanted the warmth and colourful character of her friend to shine through.
Rosie, Oil painting on board
This painting was commisioned as a birthday surprise for a special man. The client wanted to capture the characteristic deep and solemn gaze of the beloved pet and her character. A coloured border reflecting the dog’ s name, Rosy, was chosen. Oil on board.
Scarlet and Peppa, oil painting on board
This painting was commissioned to capture the exceptionally close bond between the dog and owner. Both dog and girl are lost in their own worlds but are sharing a loving moment. The bright colours intensify the strength of their bond and represent the colourful characters of the pair (work in progress)
Emerald at 18, oil painting on board
This painting was commissioned by a mother to capture the occasion of her daughter turning 18, looking forward to the future as an adult. Also to capture the beautiful luminosity and colours of the sun on her skin. The colours on the skin of the sun were a joy to paint!
Siblings, oil painting on board
This family portrait was commissioned of two sisters sharing an in joke. It was of a rare and natural moment captured at a family dinner and showing the love of the sisters
Testimonials
Glorious Day, oil on board
This portrait was commissioned of a client’s dear friend as a surprise 40th present for her. The source photo was from a memorable day at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The colours are vivid and joyful which reflect the subjects playful character
Testimonials
Testimonials
Testimonials
Testimonials
“The Nurture Group is a safe, encouraging, supportive group where you can explore your inner artist and develop your skills. Melanie has a ‘can do’ attitude and is helpful, positive and full of good vibes. The group
is a wonderful place where I can switch off from
daily life and focus on developing my skills with like-minded people. I look forward to coming every week and intend to continue coming to continue on my journey of artistic discovery” - Claire
”In Melanie’s art group there’s no pressure, there’s no competition, there’s no comparisons.
Everyone encourages each other to have a go and do what they can without criticism.
I attend the group at ‘Such A Beautiful Day’ crystal shop in Moordown on Tuesday Evenings. It’s a perfect, cosy, relaxing place, full of high vibes. I’m able to completely switch off from the world outside and just submerge myself in the joy of being creative , alongside super-lovely, like minded creatives for 2 and a half hours.
Trying out different mediums and copying paintings from the greats such as Van Gogh, Monet etc is enabling me to gain confidence with shape, form, colour and generally finding out my strengths and weaknesses.
Melanie is always on hand if there’s any advice needed in any area.
I love that she encourages me to be brave in trying to find my own artist within rather than telling me how I should be.
Im joining the next group again as I’m enjoying the journey so far and I know Melanie has lots to show me yet. I highly recommend joining a Flourish Nurture Group if you want to be brave and give art a go again.
Melanie champions quietening your negative inner critic and drawing out a more confident and complimentary inner creative friend.
Oh, and there’s always a tasty bit of cake, coffee and giggles too. Money well spent .”- Hayley