Artistic Statement

After graduating with a degree in Fine art from the University of Newcastle I 2003, I went on to obtain a Masters in Painting from Wimbledon School of Art in 2004. Since then I have continued to paint and draw, focusing on both figure and landscape paintings. I am particularly drawn to a scene where a drama is created, either by a sense of narrative, or through a contrast of light and dark, and I try to convey this through my paintings.

Recently I have also started to explore the contrasts within the landscape of North East England, with its industrial character set against its natural beauty.

I have taught Art in schools in Mexico and Uganda, and to date have exhibited in various venues in Newcastle, Hackney, Durham, Kings Cross, the Discerning Eye Exhibition2003, London Art Fair 2005, and in Glasgow for the regional finals of Channel Five’s Big Art Competition.

Additionally, Melanie's work has been collected by various people such as Robson Green.