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Melanie Rich - Fine Artist
My inspiration is light. The beaming sun, the cast of shadow, or a glowing candle can all produce a myriad of interconnected shapes, patterns and colors. As a child, I was constantly drawing or painting. Whether I was hiking in the North Carolina mountains during the summers spent at my grandmother’s cabin, spending fall and winter in the Piedmont area or visiting my father at the glorious coast – there was constant inspiration for me. I would create imaginary worlds with my pencil and paper or simply draw what I saw. The ocean, an old tree, a bird, my dog; all of these were inspirational.
Around the age of ten, I was introduced to watercolors. I received a simple artist set as a gift. I will never forget the anticipation I felt the first time I dipped my new brush into water and then the shiny pan of color – I went directly for the red. Brush and color met, and jointly introduced themselves to paper. Beautiful. A sideways grin crossed my face because everything felt right.
Despite the years, countless brush strokes, mistakes and moments of genius, I have never lost my sense of wonder. Every painting is an adventure.
I have tried other mediums, but have always returned to watercolors. I feel connected to them; nothing else ‘feels’ right. Watercolors demand freedom but also control. It is a delicate balance that challenges me with every stroke. The luminosity that can be achieved with watercolors is unparalleled.
For me, painting is an act of worship. There are moments when I become one with the painting. Time and space stand still, and thoughts are quieted. There is nothing save for me, the brush and paper – all of which seem an extension of my soul.
I welcome interaction with consumers and love to hear opinions about my artwork.. Please feel free to contact me any time.
