A little bit about Melissa:
Melissa Hedge originally focused on drawing while growing up, but did not continue to draw much as an adult. In 2019, while recovering from a surgery, she decided to try painting. When her first painting turned out so well, she thought it was just beginnners luck. After continuing on and honing her craft, Melissa has started a career as an artist. She has since joined professional artist organization, exhibited her work, and found a home at the Artwistic Revolution Gallery.
Where to find Melissa:
Web: mhedgeartstudio.com
Instagram: @she.creates.it
“Serenity” by Melissa Hedge
1. How did you first discover your interest in art?
I’ve ways had an interest in art, but my earliest memory of it is watching Pappyland in the early 90s (sort of like a Bob Ross for kids) and getting out my pencil and paper to follow along to his tutorials. My brother was much better at it than I was and I always fell behind, but I still loved that show.
“From the Deep” by Melissa Hedge
2. What was the first work of art/artist you remember being excited about?
During my freshman year of high school, I was pretty focused on drawing. My friend Simone got me a sketchbook for Christmas and the first thing I drew was a cat from a book on drawing. I never completed it, but that drawing was the first one that made me feel like I had some potential to be an artist.
3. What was your dream job as a child?
There were variations as I got older, but ultimately, I wanted to be a criminal sketch artist. I enjoyed art and was fascinated by the justice system so that was my way of combining my two interests.
4. Did you have an art mentor?
I don’t really have a mentor per se, but I have a photographer friend, Nick Eubanks, who I trust for honest feedback and is my sounding board. He knows my style and understands where I’m trying to take each piece so when I get hung up in an area and need advice, he helps me sort it out. He also has a way of telling me a piece is not quite right without making me feel bad about it which is honestly invaluable. His critiques and advice have made me a better artist.
5. What is one art supply or tool that brings you the most joy?
If I’m being literal about it, packing tape brings me joy. When I’m using it, it means I sold something, I’m having prints made, or I was accepted into an exhibition so I have to ship a painting. Using packing tape always means big things are happening!
6. What’s the last book or movie you really enjoyed?
The Netflix series Firefly Lane makes me want to read the book. My best friend and I have been friends since we were 17 and are now in our 30s so their relationship reminded me a lot if ours and what we’ve experienced together over the years.
7. What kind of music (if any) do you listen to while creating art?
I actually rarely listen to music. I usually listen to Netflix or another streaming video service. I need something to occupy my mind while I’m painting so I choose shows that are heavy on dialog. It helps me to just paint instead of nit picking the little things. The only downside to this is that when I get a chance to watch an episode I have no idea what is going on. What I’ve imagined is nothing like the actual show so I do get a bit lost.
“Harry Pugger” by Melissa Hedge
8. What advice would you give you someone just starting their art journey?
Ignore the criticisms, but welcome critiques. You do not have to use every suggestion or agree with them, but having another perspective with help you grow.
Use professional and artist grade materials to ensure the longevity of your work. You do not want to create your strongest piece just to have it fade and fall apart over time. To be honest, the initial startup has a little sticker shock, but you won’t use as much paint and the colors so vivid. It’s worth it.
Take business classes. Creating is only the tip of the iceberg. Everything unseen is all business.
Have fun with it! Don’t be afraid to try new things or to fail and don’t try to be like anyone else. Thankfully, I was given that advice early on and I took it as permission to do things my own way which made painting a lot less stressful.
9. Are you a night owl or early bird?
I am a night owl, but my children are early birds. So basically, I am just sleep deprived.
10. How long does it take you to feel finished with a piece of art, and how do you decide it’s done?
A small piece can take a day or two or a week. A larger piece can take a week or two, or six. Without fail, I’ll get stuck on a painting. I will spend way too much time in one spot and it’s really hard to break out of it, but eventually I do. I work in sections which most would say is wrong, but as I said, I do things my way. The best comparison I have for this is mowing the lawn. Normal people mow the lawn in lines. I tried mowing our lawn once and I ended up wandering around chasing patches of tall grass. That is why I paint one area at a time or the entire painting would end up a half done mess. I know it is done when the last section is finished. I give myself a day to pick at it and then I sign it. Once it’s signed, that’s it.
“Under the Sea” by Melissa Hedge
“Lionfish II” by Melissa Hedge
“Time and Tide” by Melissa Hedge
11. How would you describe your art in three words.?
Vivid, Colorful, Realistic.
12. What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about being an artist?
My favorite thing is that I get to decide what to do every single day. I can switch to a different medium or try an idea I’ve been thinking about. There is a freedom to it that I enjoy.
My least favorite thing is advertising. It just feels awkward. Since I don’t necessarily provide a service and my products are pretty straightforward, I don’t know what else to do besides say, “Here it is!”
I also have a weird sort of social anxiety that I know is completely irrational. Since marketing involves social interaction, even if it is just responding to a positive comment on social media, it makes me anxious (though I love when people leave comments!) I can laugh about how ridiculous that is, but I haven’t quite figured out how to get over it.
13. If you could only create art of one subject for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could only paint one subject I’m not sure how long I’d keep painting. I have a short attention span so even though I will come back to a subject, I could not do the same thing over and over and still enjoy it.
That said, if I had to pick a theme then I would do glass type paintings like bottles, glassware, and marbles. Things like that are pretty versatile and can come in a range of shapes and colors. I’m actually anxious to get back to it since I’ve been doing a lot of those paintings lately.
14. If you could have a studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I could choose a place that I know for a fact that I would love, I would choose my dad’s back porch in Virginia. It’s a screened in porch just a stones throw from a pond. Just beyond the pond is the Potomac River. It has great lighting and great views, but above all else, it’s quiet and peaceful (and my dad loves to cook so I am well fed!).