Hi, I’m Melissa. I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember. I’m drawn to the little things that make an ordinary moment worth remembering: the expression on a dog’s face, the way the light falls across a house, a familiar place. My work includes painting (oil and acrylic), drawing, watercolor, mixed media, and pyrography. I love creating detailed, realistic artwork that captures the emotion of the subject. I am the author and illustrator of Ellie’s Masterclass, inspired by my own golden retriever, Ellie. I’ve also illustrated Please Pet Me: I’m Bryn, a Lovable Therapy Dog, written by Mary Jean Desantis. I’ve created countless commissioned paintings for people who want to preserve a special memory, person, pet, or place. Today, I continue to explore where my art can take me. After a lifetime of striving for perfection, I’m learning to leave a little more room for curiosity, experimentation, and play. Thank you for being here. I hope you find something that makes you stop and look a little longer.