About the Artist

Melissa has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. Her preferred medium is graphite pencil, although she also dabbles in oil and Prismacolor. She graduated Magna Cume Laude in 2002 with a degree in Art Therapy from Harding University, and currently lives in the beautiful state of Florida. Although she has completed hundreds of portraits of pets and loved ones, Melissa never tires of watching the faces of her clients as she presents a completed portrait.
Over the years, Melissa has won numerous awards for her art in both the categories of drawing and painting. In 2002 she was the recipient of the Darton Art Award for her graduating class. From 2005-2006, Melissa had the unique opportunity of teaching Art History, Drawing, Mosaics, Painting, and Ceramics for the Master's Academy of Fine Arts. Most recently, she completed a forensic sketch artist course in Chicago taught by Guiness Book of World Records' Lois Gibson.
Over the years, Melissa has won numerous awards for her art in both the categories of drawing and painting. In 2002 she was the recipient of the Darton Art Award for her graduating class. From 2005-2006, Melissa had the unique opportunity of teaching Art History, Drawing, Mosaics, Painting, and Ceramics for the Master's Academy of Fine Arts. Most recently, she completed a forensic sketch artist course in Chicago taught by Guiness Book of World Records' Lois Gibson.