Melissa Faulkner Vanzant

Solo Show at Beans N Cream

2011-11-09T17:51:00.000+04:00

I am excited to announce that I am currently in a solo show at Beans N Cream in Cedarville for the month of November. I have tons of new paintings up in the show that I am really excited about. I plan to add another 4 this week as well. I am so excited to be painting again and can't wait for everyone to see my new pieces! I plan to post pictures of the show very soon.

Click on the link below to get to the Beans N Cream website for all of the important info - address, hours, and of course a menu of all the yummy coffee and treats they have to offer while you are there:

http://www.beans-n-cream.com/

Dare 2 Be Square show

2011-10-17T22:26:00.000+04:00

After a looooong hiatus, I am back to painting and have 2 pieces in a show currently and an upcoming solo show scheduled for next month!

This month, I have 2 pieces in the Dare 2 Be Square show at Village Artisans in Yellow Springs. This show is up for the whole month of October. Check out the pictures of my pieces below (they are the coral, teal and yellow ones - 4th ones to the right in the second and third rows).

There is an artist's reception this Friday, October 21 from 6-9pm. Check it out!

I'm painting again!

2011-09-28T19:25:00.000+04:00

I feel terrible that I haven't updated this blog in months. I literally have not created one new piece of work - until now! I seen on Facebook that Village Artisans is having their Dare 2 B Square show again for the month of October. I seen this at the last minute and just HAD to get into it.

So I feverishly began painting the next day. I actually couldn't sleep because ideas kept running through my head. I ended up turning out 2 new pieces yesterday. I had seen something on Pinterest (which if you don't know what that is, you MUST Google it) and was inspired by it. It was this folk-art style design which I thought was really pretty. So I ran with it.

Here they are - hopefully you can come see them in person. I will have a flyer up for the show when I get one.

"Rockin Rio", acrylic on canvas, 12x12", 2011

"Splash" acrylic on canvas, 12x12", 2011

New Pieces

2011-02-21T20:07:00.000+04:00

So it has been quite a while since I have posted here. A little thing called Zumba has taken over all of my free time since I have become a licensed instructor. If I want to get any painting done it is usually due to a swift kick in the tail from a friend that needs a painting done.

With that being said, my friend Brandy has been one to keep me painting with projects for her house. She has a new baby on the way and asked me to do a few paintings for the baby's room to go with her bedding that happened to be very similar to the style that I like to paint in! So here are the latest pieces that I did over the weekend. I hope she and the baby both end up loving them!

"Angles and Curves", 2011, acrylic on canvas, 3 8x10" panels

"Layers", 2011, acrylic on canvas, 2 16x20 panels

Art CLEARANCE!

2011-01-10T20:32:00.002+04:00

My house is busting at the seams currently with art. I have been trying to slang it to anyone who visits my home and I must say it has been working. I am willing to let pieces to at bargain basement prices - $35 for large pieces and $15 for smaller ones. If you see something on here that you like, let me know. You can reach me at melissa.faulkner-vanzant@hotmail.com or simply leave a comment here.

Beans N Cream Holiday Show

2010-12-15T17:35:00.003+04:00

So I was kindly invited to go back to Beans N Cream in Cedarville to put some art in for their annual holiday show. I immediately got to work experimenting with new things and continuing to explore this whole new, weird obsession with birds I've developed. Each of the 7-8 pieces I put in the show are all bird-related. I found this picture of a few of my pieces on the Beans N Cream Facebook page. My work is mostly on the right of Jennifer Float's work (that I really really love). Hopefully you can stop in and see it while grabbing a warm drink or something quick to eat. They also have lots of nice gifts to finish off your shopping. Check em out!

Mixed media finished pieces

2010-12-10T19:22:00.007+04:00

So I finally finished the mixed media pieces. It was definitely an experiment. I bought some stencils, spray paint, and some song books to use to create the pieces. After accidentally huffing spray paint and spraying myself in the face once, I was on my way!

There are a number of layers on each painting. The first was a solid color of acrylic paint. Then I experimented with adding the spray paint (thank goodness I was in my back yard or people passing by surely would have thought I was nuts! Then I added stencils, cut song book pieces and modge podged it all (that stuff is awesome). finally I added some little acrylic paint designs and VOILA!

Right now they are currently in a holiday show at Beans N Cream in Cedarville. I plan to put up a separate posting about that in a minute. . . .

The good news is I have already sold them as well! Yay! Their new home will be in a baby's room who will arrive in May. So excited!

Pictures of the process: Acrylic paint on the bottom with spray paint on top

Stencil added on top of spray paint

Finished pieces:

"Perched", 2010, mixed media, 8x10", SOLD

"Fat Little Bird", 2010, mixed media, 8x10", SOLD

Mixed media adventure

2010-11-09T22:28:00.004+04:00

So after being in the "Dare to be Square" show in Yellow Springs recently, I found myself incredibly inspired by the work of Jennifer Float. Her colorful mixed media pieces were so whimsical and fun. After walking out, I told myself that I have to give it a try. So this week I started buying supplies to start my first pieces. I hope to use my next day off work to try some things out. I will try to post pictures as I work. This will definitely be an interesting adventure - hopefully I end up with something cool.

In the meantime, take a look at Jennifer's work if you're interested by clicking on her painting below. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Work by Jennifer Float (image taken from her blog)

Dare to be Square Artist Reception - TONIGHT!

2010-10-15T20:09:00.002+04:00

Hope you can make it - I plan to stop in at some point to visit.

Click on the logo below for all the details.

Dare to Be Square Pictures

2010-10-12T22:03:00.005+04:00

I got to peek in at the Dare to Be Square show this weekend during the Street Fair. All of the paintings are really beautiful and I am so glad to be a part of something so cool! One of these pictures came directly from the Village Artisans blog that I previously posted the link for and the other I took while I was visiting of just my painting. Hopefully all can see the show in person.

Shot of part of the installation (courtesy of Village Artisans)
My piece is at the bottom right on the left wall

"Harvest Time", 2010, oil on canvas, $75

Dare to be Square!

2010-10-05T17:47:00.002+04:00

I am excited to have a painting in the Village Artisans "Dare to be Square" show this month in Yellow Springs. All pieces in the show had the same requirement of being a 12x12" piece. I decided to bust out my oil paints (which I haven't touched in ages) and see what happened. The result is an abstract sort of color field painting that was done in fall colors. The show is hung right now and there will be an artist reception on October 15 during the Art Stroll event from 6-9 pm. All paintings are being sold at $100 and are done in an assortment of mediums.

For more information on the show, visit:

http://villageartisans.blogspot.com/2010/10/dare-2b-square.html

Ladyfest Installation

2010-09-07T17:34:00.003+04:00

Ladyfest has come and gone and hopefully people got to enjoy the show and see some great art. I was unfortunately out of town during the event and didn't return until after it was already over. I am sad that I couldn't be more of a part of such a great event. However, even though I was unable to be there in person, my art was there. This is a picture of my installation that someone was kind enough to post on Facebook and tag me in. So thank you to whoever took the time to do that! Take a look if you weren't able to in person.

Dayton Ladyfest 2010 poster

2010-08-18T22:58:00.002+04:00

Something old, but new again

2010-08-12T22:53:00.002+04:00

Since its summer and the season for weddings, it seems somehow I have been around photography a lot more lately than what I ever realized before. I seem to be much more aware of it now for some odd reason and it has caused this new interest in it.

With that being said, I have decided to enroll in a photography class in the fall. Granted, I took a few to get my BFA degree, but I was totally uninterested at the time. This time around, I am hoping to jump head first and really grab it by the horns and get it right. So we'll see how this goes. I am really excited about this second go-around. I'll be sure to post pictures of my experimenting as I go. Wish me luck!

2010-07-14T22:57:00.002+04:00

Now that the summer is in full swing, I barely have time to do anything new. I have had a record breaking number of weddings I have had to attend this summer so that has been keeping me quite busy.

I knew that Ladyfest Dayton was quickly approaching and went to their facebook page for more up to date information and seen that the date has changed. Ladyfest Dayton will now be held September 3-5, 2010. I was actually very happy to see this as it buys me some time to kick out some new pieces. Click on the graphic below to get to their facebook page which has a lot more information than the last link I posted:

Ladyfest Dayton!

2010-05-03T17:52:00.002+04:00

I am excited to say that I have just signed up to be a part of Ladyfest Dayton this summer. The show will be at cspace downtown and will run August 6-8. I had heard about this really cool event happening in Dayton about a year or so ago and am really happy to be a part of this year's event.

I am looking forward to working on new paintings for the show. I plan to spend every rainy day possible making a mess in my kitchen (which is where I prefer to paint for now). I will post some of my progress as I move along.

For more information on the event, click on the graphic below to visit their website.

Pictures of installation

2010-02-23T19:21:00.004+04:00

I thought I would post some pictures I took of the installation in Beans N Cream in Cedarville. Just in case you didn't get to see them in person ; ) The paintings were hung in this location during the month of January. The paintings are currently in the Beans N Cream in Mechanicsburg until the end of February.

More photos!

2010-01-27T05:18:00.005+04:00

Three paintings inspired by each other. Titles, dimensions and other details to come.

New painting pictures - finally!

2010-01-25T06:38:00.014+04:00

As promised, here are some of the pictures from the paintings that I have recently completed. Currently, all of the paintings you see here are hung in Beans N Cream in Cedarville, Ohio. They will be there until the end of January. Once they come down, they will then go to the Beans N Cream in Mechanicsburg, Ohio. I will post details on that location once I get them. More paintings will be posted soon. Enjoy!

"On target", 2010, acrylic on canvas - SOLD

These two paintings were inspired by some fabric that I found to make pillows out of. I called them both "Out of line leaves". These are actually some of my favorite new paintings.

"Two out of line leaves", 2010, 11x14", acrylic on canvas, $40

"Three out of line leaves", 2010, 11x14", acrylic on canvas, $40

"Tattoo", 2009, acrylic on canvas - SOLD

These are two of the paintings that I did called "Flowers or Feathers". In a recent trip to Ikea I seen a pattern on a fabric that inspired me to paint these. Leave it Ikea to always inspire me!

"Flowers or Feathers:2", 2010, 11x14", acrylic on canvas, SOLD

"A bunch of flowers or feathers", 2010, 11x14", acrylic on canvas, SOLD

Solo Show at Beans N Cream in Cedarville

2010-01-04T00:37:00.001+04:00

I have been working feverishly for the last few weeks working on new paintings. I have completed about 8-10 new paintings to get ready for a solo show at Beans N Cream in Cedarville. I was supposed to put the paintings in for a March show which got pushed up to January. I will be delivering the paintings on Monday the 4th of January and they will hang for the month. I have been trying to post pictures of what I have done but am having problems doing that on my computer for some reason. Hopefully I will have them up soon. So stop by Beans N Cream for a cup of coffee and check them out!

Collaborative Holiday Show

2009-11-24T01:43:00.001+04:00

My cousin-in-law saw a flyer that she gave to me months ago that advertised looking for artists to show in a local coffee shop. I finally made the call and will be in a collaborative holiday show for the month of December! I dropped of 5 paintings to Beans-N-Cream coffee shop and restaurant in Cedarville, Ohio. The show will be up for the entire month of December. I am very excited to show for the first time in Cedarville, where I live and hope that the show turns out to be successful.

If you are interested in grabbing a cup of coffee or even breakfast or lunch, visit their website for all of the details by clicking on the image below:

New stuff coming soon!

2009-11-24T01:25:00.002+04:00

Its the time of year that I start really pushing myself to create. The cold weather brings me inside and my kitchen turns into an art studio! I plan to begin working on lots of new paintings in the next few weeks so stay tuned for pictures as I complete my pieces. I may take a few pictures as I go along just so you can get a peek into my process. Thanks for visiting and Happy Thanksgiving!

Sculpture spawn!

2009-09-21T18:15:00.003+04:00

This piece was actually created by my father in law, who taught me to weld and helps me with all of my steel scultpures. He designed the base one day while by himself and the 4 "pod" looking pieces. He wanted them to be a part of the "Geometree" but I had another idea for it. I just loved the base and thought it was so interesting on its own that it had to stand alone somehow.I began arranging the pods on the base and this is the result. Its strangely animal like to me but of course that depends on how you arrange it. I tossed it out there to the person who bought the "Geometree" to see if he would be interested and sure enough, he bought it too! I secretly wanted it to be left unsold as I just loved it so much. Its small, but super cool.

"X marks the animal", 2009, steel, approx. 2 1/2' tall x 2 1/2' wide
SOLD

New Sculpture

2009-09-21T18:04:00.005+04:00

I had been commissioned to complete a new steel piece. This one was to have the ability to move and be a nod to a tree as well. This is the end result. Named "The Geometree" by the buyer, the piece includes a base, arms that tilt and 7 separate pieces that can be hung or scattered at the base. This is the biggest piece I have ever done and I am really happy with how it turned out, as was the buyer, which is always a good thing! Its really cool to drive by the residence where now 3 of my pieces rest in the front yard. Its nice to be getting back into the swing of things and creating again. I am so very happy that I was asked to do this piece, it really gave me something to push for.

These are 2 different views of the piece. The one in the yard is a little easier to see, but the one against the garage really shows the shadows which I think are really cool. Enjoy!

"Geometree", 2009, steel, approx 5 1/2' tall x 5' wide
SOLD

Bump in the road

2009-08-10T04:23:00.002+04:00

For anyone who may follow my blog and might not have heard yet, I was in a serious car accident about a month ago. My best friend and I were in a head on collision on July 9. I have multiple broken bones and am in a wheelchair temporarily. I also had a broken forearm (left) in the accident which has also hindered any current projects in addition to my legs being out of commission. I am recovering day by day and trying my hardest to get my life back to normal. I am so very grateful for all of the family, friends and others who have supported me and my friend Jenny and her family throughout this difficult process. I hope to be back to creating soon and will keep everyone posted as I get back into the swing of things. Thank you all again for your support! ~Melissa

Closing Reception

2009-07-09T18:02:00.002+04:00

I will be having a closing reception for my solo show at Express Yourself Coffeehouse and Gallery on July 25 from 2-4 pm. The coffeehouse is located at 78 East Main Street in Xenia. Light refreshments will be served. Hopefully everyone can pop in and see the show before I take it down on July 31.

Chamberpot Gallery update

2009-07-08T00:21:00.002+04:00

My themed painting "Yellow Springs" is up in the women's restroom of the Chamberpot Gallery in Yellow Springs while the painting from last year's exhibit "Here's Looking at You, Kid" is in the men's restroom. Take a peek while your takin care of business, no matter which restroom that may be in!

Solo Show is up!

2009-07-08T00:18:00.003+04:00

My first solo show is up and in place. Last Friday I took over the last 3 paintings. There are a total of 16 paintings in the space. Pretty much the entire span of my painting career is represented in one space including one of my very first paintings - "Juicy" all the way up to a few pieces done as recently as a few weeks ago. I am so very proud of this display and hope everyone can take a peek. I am planning on having a closing reception of sorts hopefully on the 25th of July. More details will come once confirmed. The paintings will only be up for a month so you have until July 31 to see them!

First solo show is almost ready!!!!!!

2009-06-29T20:52:00.004+04:00

I dropped off 13 paintings to the Express Yourself Coffeehouse and Gallery today. They will be hung in the next few days. I plan to drop off another 4 paintings this Friday. Stop in, grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat and check it out. This is the first time I have shown on my own. One of the very first paintings I ever did is in the show along with another I did just this weekend. Its a good mix. Check it out. Pics to come once everything is hung.

Click on the image below to go to their website for details:

10,000 people project

2009-06-29T20:49:00.002+04:00

Here is the second project I did. The goal is for 10,000 people to interpret the same word. The word we were given was chair. It could be any shape, size, medium. No rules at all. This was my interpretation. Its about 5 inches tall and 2 1/2 inches wide. I cut a piece of cardboard canvas into the shape of the chair. Its photographed on a white background here.

"The Chair Project"

The Canvas Project 2

2009-06-29T20:40:00.007+04:00

So this weekend I finished my two art house co-op projects that I received. These are the first 2 projects I have done and I must say they were challenging but lots of fun.

The first one I worked on was the canvas project 2. They mailed me 5 3x3" canvases to paint on. They also gave me 5 words to interpret, one for each canvas. I have to say that I was pretty puzzled as to how I was going to visually interpret the words.

The words I was given were master, swift, saudade, belief, and androgyny. I finally dove in headfirst this weekend and finished them all.

Here are the results:

Master

Swift

Saudade

Belief

Androgyny

Chamberpot Gallery Painting

2009-06-03T19:29:00.002+04:00

"Yellow Springs", 2009, 24x36", acrylic on canvas, $90

This is the third painting that I have shown in the Chamberpot Gallery in Yellow Springs. This year's theme was Yellow Springs. I obviously took the literal spin on the theme. I love the colors in this one. I'm definitely drawn to bright and vibrant colors.

Normally each painting hangs for a year. This time each piece will hang until sold. This unique space is really a must see. Paintings are hung in the men's and women's restrooms near the bike path and Peach's in Yellow Springs. Hopefully peopel will enjoy the piece while they utilize the facilities : )

Check out their site for more information:
http://sitekreator.com/chamberpotgallery/index.html

Langs Finished Product

2009-05-22T23:12:00.004+04:00

Here are the pictures of the finished product at Langs. I got it done over the course of three days so quicker than expected when working on it in small chunks. I can't wait to see where it will pop up in pictures!

Langs Chevrolet

2009-05-18T19:19:00.004+04:00

I just got referred to do a paint job for Langs Chevrolet in Beavercreek. I was asked to paint their logo inside a barn that they will use to shoot commercials and promo pictures of the cars that they sell. Its going to be pretty large and will be the backdrop for a lot of images. I am happy to be doing it and will post pics as soon as it is completed. Hopefully this week for sure. So thankful that people still need art in their lives!

the Sideshow IIII installation

2009-05-18T19:03:00.002+04:00

Here is the pic of my installation from the Sideshow IIII. I ended up showing 9 total paintings in the space. The event was so much fun. The mix of art was amazing. I caught some great performances and checked out a lot of really nice art in this show. Always an event I am glad to be a part of.

The Sideshow IIII - May 15-16, 2009

New Paintings

2009-05-15T18:00:00.009+04:00

I normally wait to post pictures of paintings I am showing until after the show, but I couldn't wait! I am so proud of my new paintings. I installed them all last night and they look amazing. I put in a real mix of styles I have been working in. Much different from how I normally work. I am really happy with the results and hope that everyone will be able to see them in person tonight! Enjoy!

"Blame It . . . ", 2009, 20x24", $150, acrylic on canvas

This piece is one I did at the same time as "Mic Check". I honestly think these are the coolest things I have created in a long time. I kinda hope they don't sell, I would have a hard time getting rid of them.

"Day & Night", 2009, 16x20", SOLD

I started this series of black and white line paintings. I like how simple they are. I was really surprised at how much people really like them. So I made more of course! The name came from the Kid Cudi song that is really popular right now. When I get stumped naming things, I turn to pop culture if you haven't picked that up yet ; )

"Rainy Daisy", 2009, 11x14", $30, SOLD

Another black and white line painting. This is actually the second one I did.

"Midnight Weep", 2009, 16x20", $45, acrylic on canvas

This is a spin off inspired by "Bleeding Primary". It was sort of an experiment that turned bad and then good again. This panel and "Through the Storm" below were made as one piece. I didn't like them together so I separated them, stood back and liked them as individuals much more.

"Through the Storm", 2009, 20x16", $45, acrylic on canvas

"Fire and Ice", 2009, 16x40", $90, acrylic on canvas

This was my second spin off attempt of "Bleeding Primary". I actually made this piece at the same time as I did "Midnight Weep" and "Through the Storm". This one actually turned out the way I intended.

The Sideshow IIII - Tonight

2009-05-15T17:59:00.001+04:00

Come out and enjoy art of all kinds - static art, performances, music, food and spirits. Corner of Third and Jefferson. Fun starts at 5p and goes until 1a.

The Sideshow IIII - Event Details

2009-04-22T00:02:00.006+04:00

I am happy to announce that the Sideshow IIII now has a location! This year's event will be held on May 15th and 16th at 100 East Third Street in Dayton. The space is located at the corner of Third and Jefferson and will be a prime location for those participating in the Urban Nights event on the 15th.

If you have never been downtown for Urban Nights - you should definitely check it out. All sorts of galleries, restaurants, shops and urban living spaces open their doors to visitors. Many offer discounts and special offers and features that night. Stages are set up at different locations throughout downtown to provide space for lots of different musical acts. Trolleys even run to transport visitors to the different sections of town.

I am really excited about showing for the 4th straight time in this show. Its always a really great time and a must see event. Food, drink, music, performance and visual art will fill the space. Hope you can visit!

For more information on the Urban Nights event - click on the image above for a link to their page.

For more information on the Sideshow IIII - click on the image below for a link to their page as well.

Solo Show!

2009-04-03T20:27:00.002+04:00

I am excited to announce that I will be in my first solo show this summer!

The details:

Where: Express Yourself CoffeehouseGallery, 78 East Main Street, Xenia, Ohio 45385

When: July 6 and running until mid August 2009

I will be hanging about 20 paintings in this show. Most of the work will be new in this show and never before seen. I am excited about the opportunity to show in the city that I was born and raised in. Its wonderful that Xenia has this establishment that showcases not only art but musical acts as well.

Stop by and grab a cup of coffee or lunch and check it out! You can click on the logo above to link to their website. Enjoy!

The Sideshow IIII

2009-03-24T18:53:00.003+04:00

I am happy to announce that I will be part of the Sideshow IIII. I have been a part of this wonderful show since it began and am excited to be a part of this one as well. More details to come but in the meantime the flyer is above and it links to the myspace site for the event.

Women in Art 10th Anniversary

2009-03-24T18:16:00.008+04:00

The show is now closed and I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who came out to support not only me but all of the artists. The closing reception was a great time with a wonderful turn out. I was able to sell 1 (midnight moon) out of the three pieces that I had in the show and am very excited about that. Here are the pics of the pieces I had in as well as the installation. Enjoy!
"Midnight Moon", 2009, 11x14", acrylic on canvas, SOLD

"Mic Check", 2009, 20x24", acrylic on canvas

And of course - "Bleeding Primary"

Women in Art: Unheard Voices 10th Anniversary Show

2009-03-03T19:43:00.004+04:00

I have been invited to return to show in the 10th anniversary show for Wright State University and the YWCA's Women in Art: Unheard Voices show. This is an annual show where 4 female artists are selected to show their work at one of the Wright State University galleries. I was an artist in this show in 2007.

In this anniversary show, all past artists have been invited to return for this collaboration. I am really excited to see the work of all of the other artists to see how they have evolved.

Here are the details:

Exhibit open from Monday, March 16-Friday March 20th

Location Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries, Wright State University, A132 Creative Arts Center

Open times: 10am-4pm

Closing reception: Friday, March 20 from 6-10pm

Click the link for the galleries above for directions and parking information

Art House Co-op

2009-03-03T19:31:00.005+04:00

Just today I stumbled across this really cool organization called art house co-op. It is a really cool organization that is run out of Atlanta and provides all sorts of different opportunities for artists of all types from the doodler to the professional. I signed up for their website and they had 3 projects to choose from. I signed up for the canvas 2 project and the 10,000 people interpret one word project.

The canvas 2 project sends you 5 3x3" canvases along with 5 different words. You interpret each word on its own separate canvas. Once your done, you send them all back and they put one in this huge exhibit at the Atlanta airport and its published in a book! How cool is that!

The 10,000 people interpret one word project gives you one word from which you may interpret any way you like. The thing is, eveyone is doing the same word. 1,000 of the submissions will be published in a book as well.

Click on any of the pictures above for more information on the organization and the projects themselves. Its exciting to find new outlets and I am really thankful I found this one. Can't wait to get started!

Wall Paintings

2009-02-10T21:52:00.008+04:00

I have done a few wall paintings for friends that have been mostly sports related. I thought I would post these pictures. All of these images are pretty large - 3-4' tall. I also put one on a wall in my own home that I will post later. These are just fun and add a lot of character to an otherwise bare wall. For some reason this picture turned out kind of small. This is an image I have done 2 different times and I think has turned out pretty well each time. What can I say - I'm a Bengals fan!

These OSU images were done for a friend. This logo was smaller than the Bengals head and Brutus and went above a sink. I really wanted to add more dimension to it but I had already spent a lot more time than I had anticipated on it so I kind of left it as is.

This was a version of good old Brutus Buckeye I did in the same home as the Ohio State logo. This turned out really cool in my opinion and I am pretty proud of this one.

Update on Sunrise Show

2009-02-10T21:39:00.002+04:00

The Sunrise Cafe show that I was to put up this month has been pushed back a bit. I talked with the owner and it looks like it may be another month or two. I will post more info once I get it. Kind of glad it worked out this way because I have a lot of framing left to do!

Sunrise Cafe Show

2009-01-08T17:51:00.002+04:00

I am excited to have been invited to show at the Sunrise Cafe in Yellow Springs! I have been working feverishly for the past week preparing new work for the show and plan to for the next month plus. I have some really cool stuff that I have been working on that I will be excited to show. I have decided to go out on a limb and do create some pieces like I never have before. The show should be up sometime mid February. Check out the Sunrise Cafe's website which has all the info on their location, hours and even their menu: www.sunrisecafe-ys.com. Their food is amazing!!!!!

"Torn Sands"

2008-12-16T18:06:00.002+04:00

"Torn Sands", 2008, (2) 8x10" panels, acrlyic on canvas

I made these 2 when I re-did a room in my house. I didn't snap them together, but they are a continuation of one another and are separated by a window in between them. I wanted something inspired by nature but in a style that is kind of signature to me with clean lines and oderly layout.

"Through Thick and Thin"

2008-12-16T17:59:00.003+04:00

"Through Thick and Thin", 2008, (2) 16x20" panels, acrylic on canvas

This was the final set of paintings that I did for the home hair salon. These were made as a pair but not a continuation of one another as I usually make them. They are a set but not meant to be hung side by side as they are above. I made them to go on 2 walls directly across from one another so they almost appear like a mirror image at first glance but are not.

Bleeding Primary for sale

2008-12-08T19:36:00.004+04:00

As I posted previously, this painting was requested by and completed for someone. Unfortunately they were unable to purchase the painting in the end which opens it up for sale to the public. I am really proud of this painting as it is unlike any I have ever done before.

"Bleeding Primary" 4 panels measuring 48x60", acrylic on canvas, $350

More paintings!

2008-10-23T18:35:00.003+04:00

Here are 2 of the other 4 paintings that are part of the works I did for the in home hair salon. These 2 particular paintings will go with the "Wedding Flower" painting that is in the posting below. The color in the first pic is a really nice yellow that didn't come through as I had hoped in the picture.

"Autumn Blossom", 2008, 8x10", acrylic on canvas

"Crazy Daisy", 2008, 8x10", acrylic on canvas

New Paintings!

2008-10-22T20:23:00.004+04:00

The folowing paintings I completed to be installed in a home hair salon. The colors were selected to match the theme of the decor. The compostions were selected from paintings that I had done in the past that the individual liked. So if they look familiar - they are! There are 4 more that I need to snap pictures and give names to which I will put up soon.

"Around the Bend" 2008, 8x30" total on 3 panels, acrylic on canvas

"Wedding Flower", 2008, 8x10", acrylic on canvas

Chamber Pot Gallery

2008-08-18T20:33:00.002+04:00

I forgot to mention that I have my second painting in at the Chamber Pot Gallery as of June. "Here's Lookin At You Kid" is currently hanging and will be until next June (2009). Here is the link to the Chamber Pot Gallery for more information:

http://sitekreator.com/chamberpotgallery/index.html

Thanks for your continued support. I know I have not been posting much - but the summer time is normally a time that I am outdoors and enjoying the sunshine! I do have 4 paintings that I have just been commissioned to do by a friend so I will be busy in the next few weeks and will post pictures as I finish those.

Bleeding Primary

2008-06-23T18:36:00.004+04:00

I was recently commissioned to do 2 paintings and this is the first of the two paintings that I have done. I was asked to do something sort of out of the box for me which I found that I really enjoyed. I normally work in a very structured way and these paintings are very expressive and I thoroughly enjoyed the process and look forward to starting the second piece.

"Bleeding Primary", 2008, 60x48, acrylic

Paintings from the Sideshow III

2008-06-23T17:35:00.008+04:00

The Sideshow III has come and gone and I finally took individual pictures of some of the paintings that were in the show that were not posted here. Enjoy!

"The Mighty O", 2008, 8x20", acrylic, $25

"Open Windows", 2008, 24x36", acrylic, $90

"Glow with the Flow", 2008, 16x40", acrylic, $65

"One Crazy Trip", 2008, 40x16", acrylic, $65

"Block it Out", 2008, 24x18", acrylic, $45 ~ SOLD

The Sideshow III

2008-05-19T22:11:00.004+04:00

Now that the Sideshow III is over I thought I would post a picture of my display. I had 10 paintings that I showed. So far I have sold 1. I had a really great time. Friday was amazing - there were so many people who came out. Saturday was fun too. Everyone's work looked so great and I was so thankful to be a part of something so fun. It really was an awesome event.

The Sideshow III

2008-05-09T20:47:00.004+04:00

The Sideshow III is upon us! This show looks to be bigger and better than the previous 2 that I was also involved in. I will be showing at least 12 new paintings in this show that I have been working so hard on the last few months. This is the first time I have shown a collection of my paintings and I am very excited about it. A lot of the paintings that I have been posting here will be in the show plus many more that I wanted to keep as a surprise. Hope you can come!

Rollin'

2008-04-17T18:05:00.009+04:00

"Rollin", 2008, 24x36", acrylic - SOLD

This is another spin off of the original "I Found it in Ikea" that I did. The colors are very

neutral and a lot of what I have been doing has been more neutral lately. I have been

painting my house recently and the colors I have been using in my paintings have been

inspired by my walls in my house. I am comfortable with the neutral colors as long as they have a little vibrance in them still!

Neutral Geometry

2008-03-26T17:03:00.003+04:00

"Neutral Geometry", 2008, 18"x36", acrylic, $65

I decided to mix things up a bit and combine some of the elements that I have been working with on their own - circular and square/rectangular shapes. I also muted the colors to see how I liked it. I think that it's a nice change but I definitely prefer the mood bolder colors give. As for the composition though, I do like it and plan to do another version - maybe a two panel.

I Found It In Ikea 2.0

2008-03-25T17:11:00.005+04:00

"I Found It In Ikea 2.0", 2008, 24"x36", SOLD

Looks like this painting was pretty popular! At the request of a buyer, I recreated this painting over the weekend. This was the first time I have ever tried to duplicate one of my paintings and I think that it turned out pretty great. I thought that it would take a great deal more time because I was trying to duplicate, but it really wasn't that bad. I had a lot of fun with the composition and hope to make another one in a similar style next.

Jammin'

2008-03-17T17:01:00.007+04:00

"Jammin", 2008, 18" x 24", acrylic, $45

Another painting inspired by line variation.

Here's Lookin At You Kid

2008-03-17T16:52:00.009+04:00

"Here's Lookin At You, Kid", 2008, 24" x 36", acrylic, $90

I have been continuing to work with variation in line and color. I like that once I got this finished and starting to take a look from different angles, I seen a face! Kind of a happy accident!

For a friend

2008-02-26T17:34:00.003+04:00

"Rasta Squares #1 and #2", 2008, acrylic, 16" x 20"

I did these two paintings for a friend of mine for his birthday last week. I actually took two canvasas that I wasn't really happy with and recycled them and turned them into these two. I like working with a continuation from panel to panel. This is the second one I have done like that and I am pleased with the outcome. I hope that this piece finds a welcome place in his home.

2 New Paintings

2008-02-15T18:11:00.007+04:00

I took the last few days to work on 2 new paintings. I am experimenting with different design elements. It seems I am more and more influenced by pattern and design than more formal subject matter.

I applied to be a part of the Sideshow III in Dayton to be held over 2 nights in May in conjunction with Urban Nights so I am working really hard to get some new material ready for that. I hope to have about 12 new paintings to show and these will be included. I will be posting pics as I finish each painting and I will also post more details on the Sideshow III as I get them.

"Aluminum", 2008, 24"x24", acrylic, $60

"Passive Manipulation", 2008, 24"x24", acrylic, $60

*In case you were curious, I was sort of influenced by the White Stripes who I have been listening to a lot lately. I love their black, white and red color scheme that they use and I got the titles from some of their songs.

Coming Soon . . .

2008-01-22T20:02:00.000+04:00

Pottery! I am so excited to have received a used kiln from a friend for FREE and another friend sold me a kick wheel this past weekend for quite the steal! I am so anxious to get back into throwing on the wheel! I plan to purchase some clay this weekend and try out the wheel. It's been about 2 years since I have last thrown but I hope to jump right back in and start producing some nice pieces. Pics to come soon.

~A very excited Melissa

"Two Become One"

2008-01-18T00:56:00.004+04:00

Just finished another painting, this time experimenting with how two canvases can work together to make one composition. I tried out a new color combination and I am pleased with how it turned out and hope to do another soon.

"Two Become One" ,(2) 16x20" panels, acrylic, $70 for both panels - SOLD

New painting

2007-12-20T18:30:00.004+04:00

This week I worked on a new painting that I recently finished. I decided to experiment with circles instead of my usual squares/rectangles. I really love the colors. I think it turned out pretty cool. The colors and patterns remind me of something I once seen in Ikea therefore the title seems appropriate ; )

"I found it in Ikea", 24"x36", acrylic on canvans, SOLD

Available paintings!

2007-12-04T17:42:00.002+04:00

I finally took this past wintery weekend to take pics of paintings and a few prints that I have available for purchase. If interested, just email me or call and let me know what you are interested in and we can talk about prices. Thanks for looking!

~FLOWER PAINTING SERIES~

"Climbers", 2007, oil on cavas, 12.5x17.5", $60

~SOLD~

"Red blossom", 2007, oil on canvas, 11x9", $25

~SOLD~

"Orange Blossom", 2007, oil on canvas, 11x9", $25

~SOLD~
"Purple Blossom", 2007, oil on canvas, 17.5x13.5"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~GEOMETRIC PAINTING SERIES~

"Downsizing", 2006, acrylic on canvas, 26x16", $45

"Baby Blue Boxes", 2006, acrylic on canvas, 20x16", $30

~SOLD~

"Between the Lines", 2006, oil on canvas, dimensions to come

"Brown Boxes", 2006, acrylic on canvas, 20x16" , $35

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~STORM WINDOW PAINTINGS~

"Sketchy Neon", 2005, acrylic on glass, 31x25", $80

"Juicy", 2004, acrylic on glass, 29x27", $80

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~PRINTMAKING~

"Black Reversal", 2004, relief, 15x11", $25

"White Reversal", 2004, relief, 15x11", $25

"Exotic Pinwheels, 2005, lithograph, 12x16", $60

Pics from past Sideshows

2007-11-29T19:15:00.001+04:00

I came across these images from the first and second Sideshows that I thought I would share. I am not sure who took these so I cannot give proper credit - but I got them from the Circus' website and am thankful that someone got a few shots of my work.

This is such a great shot - it is from the first Sideshow and the first time I had ever shown my work publicly. I was so proud. It was a mini installation composed of two separate pieces that I integrated in the space and tied together with home made wall paper.

This is a shot of one of my steel sculptures while the second Sideshow was going on. I wasn't able to attend because that was the weekend I got married. But it's pretty cool to see the attendees through it. This piece was sold as a result of being shown in the Sideshow and now has a new home. I find it hard to part with my pieces but when I see the joy that they bring to people it makes it a lot easier.

Graduation!

2007-11-29T19:01:00.001+04:00

I finally made it - I have received my BFA (bachelors of fine arts) from Wright State on Saturday, November 17! Now I just have to wait to receive my much anticipated degree in the mail. Although I am not going to pursue my MFA at this time, I am going to graduate school to pursue a masters in public administration in the spring at Wright State. My hope is to one day head a non-profit organization that has something to do with art, creativity, and reaching out to the community in a positive way. So as one chapter closes and another opens I plan to continue making art. After the holidays I hope to get back to work on a few things and I will post pics of the process and the final pieces as I move along. I also hope to get some pics up of some of the clay work I did my final quarter.

Happy Holidays!

Newlywed!

2007-10-23T00:23:00.001+04:00

For those of you curious about the name change - I did get married recently! September 15, 2007 I married Scott Vanzant. I legally changed my name to Vanzant, however for an easy transition I am going to go by Faulkner-Vanzant when I show my work so it isn't quite so confusing. I also updated my email address with the new name. You can reach me at melissa.faulkner-vanzant@hotmail.com

Thanks!

The Sideshow II - Flyers

2007-08-21T23:16:00.000+04:00

The Sideshow II

September 14-15th

Cannery Building

Downtown Dayton

Performance, Music, Art, Food

I will be showing all of my steel sculptures together at once.

For more information visit:

http://www.daytoncircus.org/

Newest Steel Piece

2007-08-06T21:02:00.000+04:00

I just recently finished my latest steel piece. It is yet to be named however I am leaning toward "I'm not a hippoplatahorseimus". Enjoy!

Summer Landscape Sculpture

2007-08-06T20:51:00.000+04:00

I recently completed a marathon course in Landscape Sculpture under the instruction of the great Tom Macaulay. It was a great class that taught me all about working with/around/in nature. We also did a raku firing which was awesome! I really enjoyed it and here are some of the pics that I took of some of my favorite pieces.

The Sideshow 2007

2007-07-30T19:30:00.000+04:00

Hello! I wanted to write to let everyone know about the upcoming Sideshow! It will be two days of art/music/performance/food this year on Sept 14 and 15th. The location is yet to be announced. As soon as I know I will share. I hope to have a collaboration of some new steel sculptures. I will post more info as I get it. In the meantime check out this myspace page to learn more about Dayton Circus and the Sideshow 2007: www.myspace.com/thesideshowconnectsite

2007 Senior Exhibition

2007-06-08T21:39:00.000+04:00

The 2007 Senior Exhibition at Wright State is coming to an end. This is the last weekend to check out the work of the graduating art majors at Wright State. There is a good variety of mediums on display including 4 of my sculptures. Currently in the exhibit is my "Geometry in Depth" series as well as "Playing with Line" both are pieces created this year. The work is shown in the Creative Arts Center Gallery.

Chamberpot Gallery

2007-06-08T21:21:00.000+04:00

I will be showing for the first time in Yellow Springs, Ohio in the Chamberpot Gallery. I will have one painting in the gallery. This gallery space is very unique as it is actually in a public restroom. Each stall features a different painting. All paintings are 24" x 36". Each painting is up for one year - 6 months in one bathroom, 6 months in the other. I am thrilled to be a part of this one of a kind exhibit and hope it brings a lot of attention to art in our area as well as alternative spaces.

Opening reception will be Friday, June 15, 2007 at the Chamberpot Gallery (train station restrooms next to Peach's Grill) 6-10 pm. Food, music, drinks, art. Don't miss it!