To Melissa, the art process has become her truest place of freedom. It is where the inspiration of nature, with all its textures, shapes and colors can meet emotion. The result is a style called Abstract Realism. Each painting begins with a different color palette and an image combined with intuitive strokes and marks. Melissa begins with various combinations of tools including: acrylic paint, inks, collage, spray paint and pastels. She lays a solid foundation of color, composition and a focal point. Once the foundation has been laid down on the canvas, Melissa switches to oil paints, bringing out the vibrance and depth of the painting. The result is an intuitive image filled with various levels of representational and non-representational art. Each piece gives the viewer recognizable images to settle their eyes on, as well as a curious blend of forms, textures, and colors to help them more deeply fell and experience the painting. Melissa's hope is that each time one of her paintings is seen, it is an experience that nourishes and awakens the soul of the viewer.

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After being a stay-at-home mom to their two kids for almost twenty years, Melissa is in a new season where she is giving her art all the time and attention it has been waiting for. Her studio is a light-filled loft in her home where she can easily slip away to paint any time of day.  Having expanded her training in the past year, she is currently working on a collection of Abstract Realism paintings made from mixed media and oil. The collection is called "Wonder". It is a reflection of her own curiosity and growth in her season of transition from full-time-mom to something new. Her hope is that this particular collection will spark curiosity and wonder for viewers as well. 

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Melissa is currently entering various works in juried shows around the US, and hopes the Wonder Collection will soon find a home in galleries. In the meantime, the originals and prints are beautiful and available through her website, melissajoymiller.com.

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