After a client contacts me, I provide a consultation (which takes
between an hour and and hour and a half). I like to see the area
which I would be painting so I can get a feel for the size and surface
of the wall. The client usually shares ideas or requests for
patterns, colors, etc. If the client already has a particular design,
then I can soon begin painting! However, it is more often the case
that clients desire a general feel or theme, so I would design and
present three rough sketches. Working with the client, I would design
a mural that meets their style and needs.
When paiting murals, I work mainly with acrylics, but enjoy working
with oils as well. Depending on the complexity and size of the mural,
murals may take anywhere from 1 day to many weeks to complete.
Painting mailboxes and furniture:
I also do smaller projects. I can paint old or new items. Redoing old chairs isone of my favorite projects. For some reason, if I see a chair along the side of the road or peeking out from a dumpster, I am compelled to rescue it and give it a new life.
Pricing:
My prices are determined by the
size and complexity of the projects.
My name is Melissa. I was born in New York city thirty some years ago. As a child, I spent many hours sketching, creating 3-D sculptures from paper and clay, and designing and making elaborate decorations for each holiday. My mother noticed my love and aptitude for creative work, as well as my distinct and original style (not just in my art, but also in my stubborn adherence to my own fashion code) and encouraged me to follow this pathway throughout college.
However, like many children, I resisted my mother's advice and chose
to instead pursue studies in education. Yet it became clear by my
senior year that I could not deny my passion for painting and the
arts, and spent my final year at La Salle University taking classes in
photography, drawing and painting. My teacher, Jim Williams, was (and
is) a great inspiration--I started reading about and practicing
interior design, feng shui, etc. and painting murals in my own home
and for whomever else I could convince to let me try.
Now, I am married and have two wonderful boys. My family, church
fellows, and community have all supported me in "doing what I like to
do", and I am pleased to be spending my life doing what I love.
