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melissa_cowan2@hotmail.com
Colour, depth, contrasts, and the play of light and shadow in nature consistently thrill me and compel me to explore, interpret and record them with paintbrush and pigment.
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About Me
Melissa
Elected
Cowan
Lindsay
ON
Canada
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Colour, depth, contrasts, and the play of light and shadow in nature consistently thrill me and compel me to explore, interpret and record them with paintbrush and pigment.

Colour, depth, contrasts, and the play of light and shadow in nature consistently thrill me and compel me to explore, interpret and record them with paintbrush and pigment. A graduate of the Interpretive Illustration program at Sheridan College, and an Elected Member of the Society of Canadian Artists, I process life and my observations of the world around me, painting vibrant landscapes and floral scenes. 

From the first graphite sketch to the final brushstrokes, I am selective in design elements such as composition, colour palette, lighting, and form. I enjoy exploring the relationship between defined and indistinct shapes, warm and cool colours, and hard and soft edges. I favour water-soluable oil paints for their versatility, blending capabilities, beautiful depth of colour, and ease of clean-up without harsh chemicals. Rich, harmonious colours and soft backgrounds convey atmosphere, uplifting the viewer and evoking feelings of joy, reminiscence, and calm. Some favourite themes that I explore include vignettes of flowers in bloom, the serenity of untouched landscapes, and the emotional power of colour. 

Most of my work is executed in a representational style using water-soluable or acrylic paints, however, my illustrative works showcase a lighter, more whimsical style where I experiment with mixed media, watercolour, pen and ink. I am currently seeking ways to develop expressive brushwork and incorporate a more impressionistic feel in my work. I am also enjoying new subject matter and challenging my definition of beauty by working on a series of mixed media pieces of charming urban scenes.