Painter Melanie Ferguson expresses the beauty of nature using a distinctive, contemporary style. Explore more of her portfolio by visiting her website.
![Abstract mixed media flowers in a vase by Melanie Ferguson](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Flower-Still-Life-Acrylic-and-Mixed-Media-on-Canvas-30x30-1.jpg)
“Flower Still Life” Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas, 30″ x 30″
From the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles and Hollywood to rural living in the little mountain town of Oakley outside of Park City, Utah, art has always had a home where I reside!
![Abstract floral painting by Melanie Ferguson](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Fantasy-Garden-Oil-and-Mixed-Media-on-Panel-24x24-1.jpg)
“Fantasy Garden” Oil and Mixed Media on Panel, 24″ x 24″
Growing up, I always had a love for creating something from nothing. It’s in my bones. Both my mother and grandma were artists, and I learned early on what magic a tube of paint can create. As an artist, I get excited when I see something that inspires me—a new color, a new product, or a new subject to paint.
![Painting of flowers in a vase by Melanie Ferguson](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/My-Vase-is-Overflowing-Acrylic-and-Mixed-Media-on-Canvas-30x40-1.jpg)
“My Vase is Overflowing” Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas, 30″ x 40″
I designed my home studio (with a 360 view of the outdoors) as a space to house all the things I love. It has a nook for books and a big comfy chair to read in. There is a big easel, space for my supplies, and pots of fresh flowers from my garden or store year-round. It’s my special place, and it inspires me to paint every day.
![abstract painting of leaves and flowers by Melanie Ferguson](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Spring-Inspo-Acrylic-and-Mixed-Media-on-Canvas-16x40-1.jpg)
“Spring Inspo” Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas, 16″ x 40″
My travels inspire me as well. I can’t wait to record the different colors, cultures and scenery in my journal, which I take back to my studio to recreate. Throughout my life, I have taken many paths to get where I am today.
![Abstract floral arrangement painting by Melanie Ferguson](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Bouquet-2-Acrylic-and-Mixed-Media-on-Canvas-30x30-1.jpg)
“Bouquet #2″ Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas, 30″ x 30”
I moved to Los Angeles in my twenties, got married and started a family. Navigating a new city and raising children didn’t leave much time to pursue art. I took a class whenever I could. Art was my break when my kids where young. It kept me focused on who I was and what I passionately wanted to do in my life. When my girls left for college, I booked a trip to paint the French countryside, and a whole new world in plein air painting opened up!
![Painting of flowers in a vase by Melanie Ferguson](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Displays-of-Color-Acrylic-and-Mixed-Media-on-Canvas-24x30-1.jpg)
“Displays of Color” Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas, 24″ x 30″
At the same time, my thirty-year marriage fell apart. This blindsided me for a bit. I had to redefine my life, who I was, what I wanted and what my family life would be. Art kept me grounded through those dark times. It gave me purpose, and as my life changed, so did my art.
![Painting of flowers in a vase by Melanie Ferguson](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Fresh-Flowers-Acrylic-and-Mixed-Media-on-Canvas-24x9-1.jpg)
“Fresh Flowers” Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas, 24″ x 9″
I no longer wanted to just paint traditional landscapes. My focus became deeper, and more abstract. I wanted to take my viewer on a journey where they could fill in the gaps, and find their own meaning in my art.
![Abstract Floral mixed media painting by Melanie Ferguson](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Layered-Colors-Oil-and-Mixed-Media-on-Panel-24x24-1.jpg)
“Layered Colors” Oil and Mixed Media on Panel, 24″ x 24″
In my current process, I start with an abstracted first layer, adding texture, colors, thick paint, etc. Then I edit and refine the next layers, creating my landscapes or a floral painting.
![Painting of flowers and hummingbirds by Melanie Ferguson](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Travelers-Return-Oil-and-Mixed-Media-on-Panel-18x24-2.jpg)
“Traveler’s Return” Oil and Mixed Media on Panel, 18″ x 24″
It might take a week, a month, or sometimes a year to create the final painting that meets all my aesthetics. It’s not finished until the painting tells me it’s done. Then I can let it go to a new home.
![Artist Melanie Ferguson in her studio](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Artist-Melanie-Ferguson-in-her-studio.jpg)
Artist Melanie Ferguson in her studio
Today, I hope to create art that uplifts, energizes and gives the viewer a sense of the beauty in nature. I want to provide a peaceful, calm spot in their beautiful homes. And, maybe a memory of a place they’ve traveled to, or hold dear.
Artist Melanie Ferguson invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
I really admire all your paintings. Fresh Flowers is my favorite.
So lovely 🙂
Your peace transcends your botanicals. Your evolution and bio is parallel to mine. It was always fun to
Create something from Nothing.. working with a creative too in Mom and An Aunt.
I love how you take time.. I’m a follower. 😊