Spring Approaching Mountain

"Spring Approaching Mountain" is an updated version of my last painting. I was unhappy with my final outcome, so I put brush to canvas and made it more to my liking. In the last version, it was simply a field in front of the  mountain, trees and around the lake. I decided I wanted more brush in the forefront, so I added and tried to bring background colors forward. As I love the spring...find a sense of happiness and ease in the idea of spring, I wanted to use the brighter colors. Additionally, I wanted to have these feelings...this idea of spring overtake the cold nature of the winter mountain. As a result, I renamed my original painting, as the feeling of the painting changed.

I have been out of the painting loop for a few years. I was focused on my studies and struggling to complete something that eventually didn't really make me happy. I did get my master's in psychology.  I thought I wanted to be a psychologist (doctorate), but it became clear that I am simply an artist. I love to paint and I love to write. I am a creative sole who comes from a family of creative people. My youngest sister is a food artist (don't tell her I said that). Why fight the inevitable?  I hope you enjoy my painting and if you are interested in reading my works, which are mostly biologically based (natural remedies), please click on the following link. I have a few articles published, but more are to come! So far I have written articles about the health benefits of honey, facebook and depression, ADHD, and hormone imbalances related to weight problems. Feel free to follow me if interested, I would love to hear from you.

http://melissawindham.hubpages.com/

Mountains and Plateau

This painting is painted on the sides so it does not require a frame. 16x20 

Springtime Ranch

This painting is of a beautiful ranch in the countryside of Alabama. I like to use vibrant colors in my paintings and this painting is full of them. The canvas is painted on all sides, so there is no need for a frame.

Sunrise Light

"Sunrise Light" created in '08....sold.

Moonlight on Hillside

"Moonlight on Hillside" created in '08....sold.

Sunset

This is a cool painting. I love colorful sunsets, so I started with that. Then I decided that I would add a simple foreground so as to not take away from the colors of the sunset. The painting is still drying...it was hard to get a picture without a glare, but this one turned out pretty good; however, it cut off the top which is just a little more of the dark color that you see at the top of this picture. There is a lot of contrast in this painting...main colors: orange, yellow, purple, green, and red. I will probably post this on ebay on Monday, July 7th.

Sunrise Waterfall

On day 3, I finished this painting. Keep in mind that the painting is still partially wet, so the picture is not crystal clear. It is a 16 x 20 canvas, stapled in back and the painting continues on the sides. Yellow, red and green are the primary colors that are continuously present throughout the painting. There are a few patches of white, blue and pink flowers around the waterfall. I am very pleased with this painting and I believe it will make a great addition to any home! I will probably put this painting up for auction on eBay in the next day or two. -Melissa

6-27-08

Day 3 of creation. I thought I would be done today, but I didn't get to painting until late. As you can see, I added flowers, bushes and the water. It has more depth and a sense of realism. This is going to be a nice painting when finished. Have a good day... -Melissa

6-26-08

Day 2 on this painting. I have spent my afternoon adding bushes, large stones, the waterfall area, the small pond and the surrounding grass. Tomorrow I plan on finishing this painting. The actual waterfall will be added , plus I will add details such as additional bushes and flowers. I expect I will add a lot of color tomorrow through the flowers that will surround the water and fill the grassy area.

Painting Started 6/25/08

This is the painting I started this evening. I finished "Stepping Stones through Garden" this afternoon and felt like starting a new one later on. I decided to paint a creek with a waterfall, surrounded by rocks, flowers and trees. This is what I have finished thus far. I thought maybe I would try posting every once in a while as I progress through my paintings so those of you interested in purchasing one of my paintings can see what is coming next. I will try to continue this practice as I paint my way through this summer. And by the way, my beautiful 6 yr old son will one day out paint me I am sure. He already works hard on his artwork and has more perfectionistic artist qualities than I do! I am so proud ;)- Melissa

P.S. Thank you to those of you who leave comments. It is nice to hear from you and I have to admit that I have heard from some really special people with incredible and touching stories. Thank you for your support and I wish all of you the best!

Stepping Stones through Garden

This is a 16x20 oil on canvas. The painting continues on the sides and does not require a frame. I created this painting over the past two days (June 24th & 25th). I set the background trees to highlight the flowers along the pathe. There is a pathway of stepping stones through a setting of wild flowers and a rock wall along the side of the path. Above the wall is a hill and flowers cover the hillside and hang over the wall. Computers may differ, but my screen is not differentiating some of the very light pinks and whites. I am very happy with this painting. It is impressionist and the colors are soothing to the soul. Please click on the painting to get a closer view. Keep in mind that a completely clear picture is difficult due to the oils reflecting in the flash (I took the picture while the painting was still wet). You can check out all of the paintings I have listed on eBay th this time by clicking on the following link: Check out my other items! Be sure to add me to your favorites list! Thank you for visiting...I can't say it enough! Sincerely, Melissa.

Garden Path

This vibrant painting captures the beauty and peacefulness of walking down a garden path. The varied colors of the garden carry the eye throughout the entire piece and the path guides the eye toward the break in the woods. The canvas is stapled at the back and the painting continues on the sides so there is no need for a frame. Click on the picture to get a bigger view of the painting.
MEDIUM: PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OIL PAINT
MATERIALS: Canvas
SIZE: 16 x 20
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Mountain Reflections

This is a simply beautiful painting of a mountain and its foothills reflecting on a lake. It was created primarily with shades of sap green and a slight amount of blue for the water and sky. The lake is serene and gives off a mirror-like reflection that is pleasing to the eye. It has a simple beauty that whispers "take a deep breath and relax." Click on the painting to get a closer look. Keep in mind that it was hard to get a high quality picture of this painting because the oils were reflecting light that the camera was not able to overcome.

MEDIUM: PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OIL PAINT
MATERIALS: CANVAS PANEL
SIZE: 16 x 20

If you would like to place a bid on one of my paintings, you can click on the following link to "check out my other items!" Be sure to add me to your favorites list!

Walking in Nature

"Sun Shining on River" is a 16x20 oil on canvas. The bright yellow sun is peeking through the trees and creating a brilliant glow on the river. This secluded spot makes you want to go wading among the rocks.The sides of this painting are painted a dark color that matches this piece of art and looks beautiful hanging on a wall without a frame!

"Path to the Blazing Sky" is a 16x20 oil on canvas. The skyline is a mix of yellow and orange, making for a quite amazing effect. This beautiful sky highlights the orange, yellow, and crimson bushes that are prominent in the foreground. The sides of the painting are painted in a dark color that makes the artwork look nice hanging on the wall with no need for a frame.

"Pastel Garden" is a large 24x30 oil on canvas painting. It does not require a frame because what you see on the front is continued onto all of the sides. This painting is made up of peach, purple, and yellow flowers which lead your eyes toward the forest and mountains in the background.

You can click on any of these pictures to get a larger view of the painting.

Click on the following link to take you to a page that displays these paintings and any other paintings that I have up for action. You may also place a bid on any of these paintings on eBay by following this link: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZgapeach4903

Thank you for visiting and please come again! -Melissa

Check out my other items! Be sure to add me to your favorites list on eBay!

Newest Postings

" Pink Skies" (above)

"Quiet Morning" (above)

These are my newest editions to my artistic creations. "Pink Skies" and "Quiet Morning" are created from very light pastels to portray a feeling of calm or the idea of meditation. I entered into this painting experience with fear because most of my paintings are filled with bright and vivid colors. These are understated and somewhat relaxed (comparitively speaking). However, they turned out just beautiful!

I currently start most of my auctions at the base canvas price just so I can make enough to buy more canvases and to continue painting....so take advantage of the low prices and bring one of these gorgeous paintings into your home! To see these or any of my other paintings in a larger size, simply double click on the desired painting and you will get a closer view! Also, to see all of the paintings I have for bid on eBay, go to the posting below this one and click on the link at the bottom of the post! Thanks for visiting!!!!!!Melissa

Romantic Garden

SOLD!

This painting is filled with vibrant colors. All of the flowers, bushes, and color takes you on a journey throughout the picture. I loved creating this painting and you will love displaying it in your home!
MEDIUM: PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OIL PAINT
MATERIALS: CANVAS PANEL
SIZE: 16 x 20
Check out my other items on eBay!

Victorian Estate

This beautiful painting is filled with vibrant color. The trees take the eye directly to the Victorian estate, while the water and flowers accentuate the view. This house is modeled after a beautiful house I found in Texas; however, I added to the landscape to make the painting more appealing. I loved this house and I love this painting!
MEDIUM: PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OIL PAINT
MATERIALS: CANVAS PANEL
SIZE: 18 x 24
Check out my other items on eBay!

Hidden Faces

This beautiful painting is filled with vibrant shades of crimson with a white overlay. I began by mixing crimson with white, or gray, or black. After adding it to the canvas, I blended it with white. If you look at the painting, you can see many faces hidden within the design! The color blend is great and will look wonderful in your home!
MEDIUM: PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OIL PAINT
MATERIALS: CANVAS PANEL
SIZE: 18 x 24
Check out my other items on eBay!

Marching Penguins

SOLD!
This painting consist of shades and tones of blue, with an overlay of white. It is awesome in person and once the penguin theme is mentioned, one cannot help but see a landscape of marching penguins. This painting is painted on the sides as well, so you will not even need to buy a frame! This is a fun painting and your guests will love it!
MEDIUM: PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OIL PAINT
MATERIALS: CANVAS PANEL
SIZE: 16 x 20
Check out my other items!

Golden Petals

This beautiful painting is filled with vibrant shades of yellow. The lighter golden pedals are accentuated by the darker yellow background. White highlights are found sporatically throughout the painting. Check out my other items!