Melinda Grace
Artist - Wife - Mother
Melinda is an award winning mixed media artist. She graduated with her BFA in Painting and Drawing from Academy of Art University in 2012. She has shown her work in California, Colorado, Japan, Italy, and South Carolina. She currently lives in South Carolina with her husband, 2 children, and 2 cats.
FAQs
When did you become an artist?
I have always been an artist. As a child I designed a fashion line on a yellow lined legal pad. In middle school I played the clarinet, wrote & directed my friends and siblings in plays, I choreographed dances to our favorite songs. When I was 14, while on vacation, I watched Bob Ross on PBS. As soon as we arrived home I begged my mom to buy me acrylics & canvas so I could paint "happy trees." She obliged and my love of painting was born.
Why the name heartmelinda?
I signed my very first painting with a heart and then my name. I have since signed every painting in the same way. When it came time to choose a business name what better inspiration then my signature. I think of each painting as a gift- love Melinda.
Where did you study art?
I began studying Art Education at Valdosta State University. I completed a degree in Fine Art with a focus on Painting & Drawing at Academy of Art University in May 2012.
What medium do you work in?
I have been trained in many mediums including oils, clay, watercolors, acrylics, plaster, wire, charcoal, colored pencil, etc. I prefer working in watercolor and mixed media with pen and ink.
What supplies do you use?
My favorites are Rives BFK paper, M. Graham paints, and Winsor & Newton watercolors but most often I use whatever I have on hand.
What do you love to paint most?
I was trained in many subjects- still life, landscape, figure, portrait, abstract, etc. I most enjoy painting flowers. I love how complex yet simple they are. I also love painting plein air landscapes.
Resume
Awards
2024 2nd Place, Camden Plein Air, Camden SC
2013 1st Place, Moorpark Arts Festival, Moorpark CA
2013 2nd Place, Moorpark Arts Festival, Moorpark CA
Solo Exhibitions
2024 “Arrivederci Aviano”, Aviano Italy
2018 "Art Connection", Camp Foster, Okinawa Japan
2015 "beauTEAful blooms", Grimm Brothers Brewhouse, Loveland CO
2014 "beauTEAful blooms", The Paramount Cafe, Cheyenne WY
Group Exhibitions
2024 Camden Plein Air, Camden SC
2018 Spring Show, Esparzas Tacos and Coffee, Okinawa Japan, juried
2015 20th Annual Faculty & Alumni Fine Art Auction, Academy of Art University, San Francisco CA, juried
2015 Spring Forward, Art Association of Northern Colorado, Fort Collins CO, juried
2014 ARTiculture, The Gadrens at Spring Creek, Fort Collins CO
2013 Moorpark Arts Festival, Moorpark CA, juried
2013 The Print Exchange 2013- Brooklyn Art Library (Brooklyn NY), Graphic Arts Workshop (San Francisco CA), Robert Blackburn Printshop (New York NY)
2013 100 for $100- Studio Channel Islands, Camarillo CA
2013 Sketchbook Project 2013- Brooklyn Art Library, 8 stop National Tour
2012 17th Annual Faculty & Alumni Fine Art Auction, Academy of Art University, San Francisco CA
2012 TRENDS, Studio Channel Islands, curator: Christine Morla, Camarillo CA
2012 Mystery Masterpiece, Studio Channel Islands, Camarillo CA 2012 Sketchbook Project 2012 World Tour, Brooklyn Art Library, 12 stop National Tour
2011 Floral Anthology, Studio Channel Islands Art Center Gallery, curator: Tony Askew, Camarillo CA
Professional Experience
2021-24 Artist Instructor, Aviano Arts and Craft Center, Aviano Italy
2021-24 Artistic Lead, Design and Unwind, Aviano Italy
2015 Artist Instructor, Studio Vino, Loveland CO
2015 Co-founder & Vice Chairwoman, Allied Women Entrepreneurs, Fort Collins CO
2014 Juror, ARTiculture, Fort Collins CO
2014 Northern Colorado Mom Owned Business Association Director & Member
2013 Studio Channel Islands Artist Member
2011-12 Lynn Gertenbach, Apprenticeship, Calabasas CA
2009 Girl Scout Art Camp, Subject Matter Expert/ Instructor, Azores Portugal
2008-09 Lajes Elementary/High School, Substitute Art Teacher, Azores Portugal
Education
2012 BFA- Painting & Drawing, Academy of Art University