Recently retired from Delta Airlines after 41 years, my husband and I moved to a new home that had an artist's studio in place. I had taken a ceramics class in college and dabbled in calligraphy, but now, with new found time on my hands, my love of the arts was reawakened. I decided to take painting classes from a local artist in Ventura. These classes lead me to want to explore all mediums especially mixed media. My current love is to use bits and pieces of anything I find, using discarded pallets and raw edge wood to add texture and depth to my paintings. Inspired by the colors of Monet and the intensity of Van Gogh, I look to nature and natural setting as the influence in my pieces. Waterscapes, cloud formations and foliage are a particular favorite in my work. While not knowing where my artist adventures will take me, I look forward to the journey.
Mixed media art series by Ventura-based artist Melissa Pittenger. Painted on recycled wine barrels.