Meet the Artist
(and her horse)
(and her horse)
Photo: Steve Squall
"Flint" the inspiration for all my grey horse paintings!
I never had a horse growing up, but like many young girls, I was obsessed with them. I spent countless hours drawing and painting horses, and dreaming of the day when I might actually have a horse of my own. Although I did not study art in college, I never lost my love for creating. After a long career in advertising and sales, I made the decision to leave that world and focus on my life-long love of art. As a self-taught artist, I am still learning and growing every time I set foot in my studio. Much of my work is inspired by my love of equine sports, my own horses, and the outdoors.
As a side note--my husband got me a horse our first Christmas together--I was 30 years old. So to all the horse crazy little girls out there--its never too late!
While painting horses is still my first love, I see things every day while driving around our beautiful bluegrass state that spark my creativity. Even an old collapsed barn makes me curious-- about its story--about the animals and people that passed through its doors--and even what color it was painted when it was brand new. I do love a barn!
Most of my pieces are a mix of acrylics, inks and pastels on canvas. With vibrant colors and textures being key elements in my work, you will often find ordinary things painted with unexpected colors. I rarely use paintbrushes, but love finding other "tools" to create with. Palette knives, sponges, corks, and even pieces of plants, all lend unique texture to my work.
Over the years I have learned that with art, there is no right or wrong way to create--every day in the studio is one big surprise!
My art has been showcased in several publications including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s, popular “Southern Made” series, Simply Saratoga magazine and Tops in Louisville Magazine.
You can find my work in galleries and shops around the country, and in private collections both nationally and internationally. Many pieces reside in the permanent collections of The Omni Hotel, and both the University of Kentucky and the University of Kentucky Hospital. My art has also been featured on the set of a Lifetime movie.
I am a member of the United States Equestrian Federation and was thrilled to be chosen as a Makers Mark Ambassador for the Alltech World Equestrian Games. A native of Pennsylvania, I currently live in Richmond, KY
As a side note--my husband got me a horse our first Christmas together--I was 30 years old. So to all the horse crazy little girls out there--its never too late!
While painting horses is still my first love, I see things every day while driving around our beautiful bluegrass state that spark my creativity. Even an old collapsed barn makes me curious-- about its story--about the animals and people that passed through its doors--and even what color it was painted when it was brand new. I do love a barn!
Most of my pieces are a mix of acrylics, inks and pastels on canvas. With vibrant colors and textures being key elements in my work, you will often find ordinary things painted with unexpected colors. I rarely use paintbrushes, but love finding other "tools" to create with. Palette knives, sponges, corks, and even pieces of plants, all lend unique texture to my work.
Over the years I have learned that with art, there is no right or wrong way to create--every day in the studio is one big surprise!
My art has been showcased in several publications including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s, popular “Southern Made” series, Simply Saratoga magazine and Tops in Louisville Magazine.
You can find my work in galleries and shops around the country, and in private collections both nationally and internationally. Many pieces reside in the permanent collections of The Omni Hotel, and both the University of Kentucky and the University of Kentucky Hospital. My art has also been featured on the set of a Lifetime movie.
I am a member of the United States Equestrian Federation and was thrilled to be chosen as a Makers Mark Ambassador for the Alltech World Equestrian Games. A native of Pennsylvania, I currently live in Richmond, KY
Contact:
859.661.3627
MelissaCraseArt@gmail.com
Melissacraseart on Instagram
melissacraseart.com
Studio:
Winchester , KY (by appointment)
*Mailing address upon request
859.661.3627
MelissaCraseArt@gmail.com
Melissacraseart on Instagram
melissacraseart.com
Studio:
Winchester , KY (by appointment)
*Mailing address upon request