Hi there, my name is Melissa and I'm an artist living and working in Melbourne, Australia. Although I've been painting and drawing on and off for my entire life, I'm what you call an "emerging artist" – I'm just starting out with putting myself and my art out into the world.
My practice is heavily influenced by my professional career as a graphic designer, resulting in bold linework, defined shapes, and vivid colour palettes. I mainly strive to capture the beauty of the Australian landscape, although I do also enjoy the odd still life here and there.
I typically work from my own photographs and field sketches, which later inform my exploration in the studio. My work is predominantly in acrylic paint or oil pastel. I don't seek to create a direct representation of a place, but delight in playing with colour, intensifying hues to reflect the strength of emotions evoked by the experience of being in a landscape.
If I could paint like a cross between Van Gogh, Andre Derain, and Ken Done, I'd feel quite content!
Visit my website at melissahill.com.au to read my blog, or check out some of my other creative pursuits (like photography!). I'm planning to also sell non-Bluethumb items there such as prints and greeting cards.