As a young woman, her B.A. in fine arts from the University of Texas at Tyler took a backseat to the corporate world for many years: advertising exec; graphic designer and art director of her own company; and later corporate and executive recruiter. Not surprisingly, she was recognized in national competitions for her print design and annual reports, but shortly after her move to Denver in 1994, the satisfied extrovert began to hear from the starving artist. She says she “felt like her soul was drying up”. An oil-painting class at the Art Students’ League of Denver rained water on that desert ground.

Over the next five years, Melinda studied painting at the League under the guidance of master painters like, Quang Ho, Kim English, Kevin Weckbach, and Ron Hicks. As her passion and skill grew, so did her dream to paint full-time. She made the leap in 2003 and brought years of corporate skills into the new and intricate dance of a full-time professional art career. She hasn’t looked back. Since that decision, Melinda has participated in over 8 one woman shows in Santa Fe and national and regional shows in the Southwest and Southeast gaining recognition for her figurative paintings.

Her work is collected among collectors across the US and internationally. Melinda has been featured in major articles in national and regional magazines and newspapers such as Southwest Art, American Art Collector, The South African Artist Magazine, the Santa Fean Magazine, and the Albuquerque Journal (where she received a three, full-page article on her work). She has been chosen several times as a finalist in the national Boldbrush art contest and over 20 times as FAV 15%. As a sought out teacher, she offers professional studies courses as well as offering workshop instruction from other nationally known artists. Melinda is currently represented by Alexandra Stevens Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM; Beck Fine Art, Wilmington, NC; Texas Treasures Fine Art, Boerne, TX; and OA Gallery, Kirkland, MO. She is a member of Oil Painters of America and the Portrait Society of America. She has won awards of excellence and honorable mention in OPA online and regional shows and recently Best People, Award of Excellence in NOAPS online showcase.