Melissa Graves Brown

Melissa Graves Brown work is inspired by a deep connection to nature and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. As a native of Fort Myers, Florida, she spent much of her childhood outdoors, fostering a love that continues to influence her paintings today. She earned her BFA from Auburn University and an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania, where she received honors in color achievement. For the past 26 years, she has lived in Idaho, where her love for nature and color can flourish.

"I'm inspired by Idaho's majestic landscapes and seasons. My favorite moments are in fall, when the leaves catch the wind and lift off the trees against a big blue Idaho sky. I work with acrylic paint which allows me to quickly layer washes, drips and brush strokes. I will often lay my canvas flat and splatter paint from above to create a sense of motion and life within each piece. My aim is to create compositions that transport viewers into a daydream or allow people to simply experience joy," says Brown.

"Nature is the main inspiration for my work especially trees and the way they embody life’s quiet resilience. I never tire of exploring the vivid spectrum of colors that nature offers and how to use it as a visual language to express my imagination and emotions. My intention with each piece is to create a dialogue between the viewer and the natural world, to invite others to see beyond the surface and delve into the wonder and mystery that lies deep within ourselves and the world around us."