melissa monroe

I am from Portland and currently live in SE Portland. I started painting just two years ago in late 2013. Before that I had never even thought or being a painter, the only art I had done was some pottery. After I started painting it was all I wanted to do and after I lost my coffee shop that I owned with some friends I had my chance. Within just a few months I started selling enough of my work to be able to support my self and children. In just the past year I have created over 200 paintings, I paint everyday. Without the influences of any art background or art knowledge all my paintings come from within. I refuse to finish a piece until it makes me happy. I am inspired by emotion, native art, music, and architecture. I believe somewhere inside of me is another life, that I am constantly searching for, my spirit is teaching me things that I use to know. When I paint there is no plan, no expectations. I like to think my paintings are like a puzzle I am trying to put together, but finding all the pieces in the layers of paint is where the magic is. Creating images that no one has seen. A history of a land that know one can remember. Making wishes in the purist form. I have learned more from my paintings then any book could teach me they have changed my life, I have changed my life.

Framing, Surface and Paint

All paintings are made using acrylic paint, I also use oil pastel and pencil. The paintings are on wood panels that I build myself. I did all the framing for this body of work. The outer frame on all the pieces is removable if you would like to choose your own framing. The majority of the framing material is from the re-store, rebuilding center or thrift stores. I love hunting for my materials and finding the perfect match to a finished painting.

Studio

My studio is at my home and also at True Measure Gallery, 3022 E Burnside st, most my finished work is stored here along with books, shirts and prints. The gallery is open most days 1-6pm. If you would like to make sure I am there please email me for an appointment.

Current and Past Shows

My work can be seen also at Screaming Sky on Alberta street in Portland. I currently have work with The Road Gallery in New York City and in Brittney, France at Une Vison Singualiere. My most recent shows were at Nebraska Gallery in Portland on Alberta Street, Roll-up Space in Sellwood, and at the Connecticut affordable art fair last November. My next scheduled show in Portland