New Year and New Art “Unraveled”

“Unraveled”
Detail of first painting of 2017
48 x 36
Acrylic on Canvas
Melynda Van Zee © 2017

Dear Creative Heart,

This new year has brought the first large painting of the year “Unraveled”, the beginning of a new body of work, local art exhibits and an “art show application season” in full swing. It is hard to believe we are already a month and a half into the new year. 

“Unraveled”
Detail of first painting of 2017
48 x 36
Acrylic on Canvas
Melynda Van Zee © 2017

Hard at work in my Downstairs Studio

Winter days in the studio are finding me adding a layer of gesso (white undercoat layer) to canvases, designing and laying down the line work for new pieces and applying to 2017 art shows.

As you can see…canvases are spread out everywhere this time of year…

Melynda Van Zee Art exhibit at Edgewater Retirement Community in West Des Moines, IA.

I’ve also been enjoying sharing my work in some local art exhibits over the winter months. I’ve shared my artwork in a retirement community, an art center members show and a coffee shop. It is one of the best joys of being an artist to share work in places where people congregate as a community for fellowship, healing, growth and conversation.

“My Everything” by Melynda Van Zee Ankeny Art Center Ankeny, IA

There are many different responses we can choose when facing the multitude of changes, transitions, fears, and unrest that we have been dealt as a nation. One of the things I have decided to do is to choose creating and sharing art- focusing anew on creating beauty, joy, vibrant color, hope, and community.

“Emerging Through” by Melynda Van Zee
Ankeny Art Center Ankeny, IA

I’ve decided…

• to commit to picking up my brush again
• to commit to expressing my own creativity
• to commit to growth that comes from reflecting deep within
• to commit again to inspiring those around me to express the fullness their artistic creativity 

With Passion,

Melynda

“Spheres of Completion” by Melynda Van Zee Ankeny Art Center Ankeny, IA