— Melissa Lea, artist
Thoughts of a working painter
Applying & Planning When I applied for this residency, I knew I wanted more than uninterrupted studio time. I wasn’t looking for a quiet retreat or a gentle creative break ~ I wanted structure and accountability. This residency came with clear expectations, and I appreciated that from the start. It wasn’t simply “make art and […]
Some artwork demands attention. It wants to match your sofa, be understood, decoded, or explained. Other work does something quieter. It creates space. This expressive painting comes from that quieter place. It offers a sense of openness that feels generous rather than demanding. It reveals itself gradually without asking you to work for understanding. It […]
Sweetness, Color, and a Seasonal Shift Toward Spring. Some paintings arrive quietly.Others feel like they insist on being painted. Yellow Flowers in a Strawberry Vase is one of those pieces. Painted with thick, expressive brushstrokes and a joyful, unapologetic palette, this (20×16″) 20 × 16 inch original painting celebrates warmth, affection, and the subtle shift […]
I’m Coming Back! I’ve been focused on keeping peace in my heart and sanity in my mind as my family had many demands, including the sale of our home in NH and relocation to our new home in Maine. Although my blog hasn’t been a priority for me over the last year, my creativity and […]
