Inspired by nature, artist Melody Cleary creates intuitive abstract paintings filled with texture and mark making. See more of her portfolio by visiting her website.
“Autumn’s Fire 2″ mixed media, 15″ x 11”
My art is heavily influenced by the natural environment of the Pacific Northwest where I live.
“Early Fall” mixed media, 12″ x 12″
The theme of trees and water dominate many of my works throughout my artistic life which began more than forty years ago.
“Breathing Space” mixed media, 15″ x 30″
For many of those years I painted from my own photos in a realistic and impressionistic style using a lot of color. Then, for a period of time, I ventured into acrylic and collage, making my own acrylic stained papers and creating a number of abstracts.
“Autumn Memories 1″ acrylic, 10″ x 10”
About three years ago, I found myself bored and physically tired due to a progressive disability that makes brushwork painful, so I took an online abstract workshop. Over the course of a year, I learned how to loosen up and work from a place of “not knowing” or intuitively.
“Misty Moment” acrylic, 12″ x 12″
The works shown here represent my new found interest and fascination with abstract painting; yet, the spirit of nature still comes through in each piece. It is a part of my soul and I love it.
“October Whim” mixed media, 12″ x 12″
Introduced to new tools and marking media, I began moving away from creating perfect brush strokes. This led me to discover wonderful textural marks that I find very exciting.
“Wintry Mix” mixed media, 15″ x 22″
All of these unexpected surprises and discoveries in my artistic development have made me feel that my art has more energy and excitement than ever before.
“Sakura Blossoms” acrylic, 20″ x 20″
Part of my continuing studies involve using lighter color values and a simplified color palette to achieve a more pleasing and cohesive design. Neutral gray has become a very important part of my palette for color mixing.
“High Tide” acrylic, 12″ x 12″
Acrylic is my primary medium. Along with acrylic I use watermedia crayons, graphite and charcoal pencils. Sometimes the works are one hundred percent acrylic.
“Park Walk 4″ acrylic, 30″ x 30”
Abstraction has given me the freedom to do whatever I want to the blank surface with different mark-making tools. My imagination and intuition take over—adding and subtracting elements until I am pleased with the outcome. Without a plan, I find that creating an artwork can be frustrating and rewarding at the same time.
Artist Melody Cleary invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
I enjoyed reading about your art journey. I really like your artwork too, it is beautiful and interesting. I am also a nature artist that has painted from photos and I’m trying to paint intuitively. Have you made any YouTube videos? Do you artists that you can recommend to help me learn more?
Thank you!
Hi Christy, thank you for viewing my work! I haven’t done any youtube videos, myself. I have worked intuitively before using collage papers and acrylics and got that idea by viewing Creative Catalyst videos by various artists. Visit their website. 2 years ago my art took a turn after studying abstract painting with Nancy Hillis from Stanford. She has an amazing online workshop presence. Read about her at nancyhillis.com. Though my work isn’t completely abstract always, it taught me to free up and trust my intuition. Good lessons on values and color mixing. My best to you!
These are so lovely. My favorite is Misty Moment.
Thank you Martha! And thanks for viewing my art!
Melody
It has been a warm art experience and adventurous abstraction of landscapes using acrylic and mixed media. Mixed media unlocks multitude of possibilities in art generation.
Thank you Melody. Keep up this expressive art