I am originally from Indianapolis. I moved to Delray Beach in 2008. It is a great place for artists and East Atlantic Avenue is filled with art galleries. Festivals occur throughout the year. It is a fun place to live and work.
Always interested in Art, I dabbled in it off and on through my life. In 1985, I was busy being a mother of 2 daughters and stopped painting. I did not pick up a paint brush again until 2007. While living in Miami, I painted flowers at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and from there, I continued to paint. I enjoy painting nature and animals best. I paint with oils because it allows me to feel the work and the flow of the paint. I love the bold colors that oils provide. Recently, I have been experimenting with acrylics. I’m looking forward to painting whatever intrigues me and makes me happy.
I am particularly happy with my painting "HOOPER" as I had it made into a Plush Toy and HOOPER is an icon for Shelter Dogs.
With the wonderful and unexpected joy that HOOPER has brought to people, I am delighted he bears my maiden name "HOOPER" -- if my Dad were living, I wonder what he would think of that? I think it would make him laugh as he often told me he thought I'd grow up and have a house full of dogs instead of kids. Well, he was kind of right. I only have 2 daughters, but I've had a bunch of dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks and turtles in my life and I always will love animals -- it is just a BIG part of who I am. Below is a childhood picture of myself in the Indianapolis News. My duck won 2nd place in a pet show. Hilarious!
See my Work:
Arts Arena Gallery
777 E. Atlantic Plaza
Delray Beach, FL
You can also view and buy my art at Fineartamerica -- see link below: It is easy and affordable. Fineartamerica offers great prints, greeting cards, etc.
Thanks for looking, Melanie
PS: I love animals - please spay/neuter your pet as a suggestion for avoiding more homeless animals. Thank you kindly!
