We recently connected with Melanie Damore and have shared our conversation below.

Melanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I was barely a conscious being, yet in Kindergarten, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I yelled out, “artist!”

I have always loved working with my hands, and now, in my 30s, my passion for art has only grown. It allows me to slow down and think clearly when I often feel scattered. I avoided becoming a practicing artist for many years because it was always seen as “irresponsible” and “impossible.” The funny thing is, it’s been the best job I’ve ever had, and it has completely unfolded on its own.

What I’ve learned, and want to share with others, is that the hard stuff isn’t so hard when you love the path you’re on. Make your own decisions and choose your own future. Chase your “impossible” dreams and quit your soul-sucking job. If you want something badly enough, the sacrifices hardly even matter.

In just two years, I’ve gone from anxious drives to my public education job to running my own company, creating my own schedule, and selling my art nationwide. I am in complete control of my future, and my path as an artist could not be more fulfilling.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Melanie Damore, and I am a Denver-based oil painter, digital designer, and the owner of Denver Art Days.

In 2022, I started Denver Art Days, where local artists offer creative workshops that bring the joy of artistic practices to adults. We teach a variety of mediums, including acrylics, watercolors, oils, epoxy resin, clay, and more.

Aside from sharing my passion with others, my favorite role as an artist is painting the incredible landscapes and waterscapes I’ve experienced throughout my travels. My painting style has been described as vibrant, intense, and dreamy, as I aim to capture the wild, imperfect essence of America’s beautiful backcountry. I love to dramatize my landscapes with warped compositions, sweeping clouds, and exaggerated colors that match my feelings of euphoria. This fall, I will be working on several commissions and a large mural in La Porte, Colorado.

In addition to my paintings and classes, I began a passion project creating merchandise designs featuring all of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks, which are now sold nationwide. I create these using Adobe Illustrator and Procreate, and they are available on the Denver Art Days website and Etsy. I hope to have this project completed by Spring 2025.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is the feeling that I am truly doing what I was meant to do. I no longer feel like a round peg in a square hole—I have full control over my life and my future, and I’m no longer living by anyone else’s standards. I’ve absolutely loved getting to know Denver’s art community, connecting with fellow artists, and growing my business. I’ve embraced being a lifelong learner, experimenting with new techniques, and seeing my artwork ignite passion in others.

2024 has been a year of incredible growth. I’m deeply grateful to have sold more original work than ever before, watched my business gain momentum, held two solo shows, participated in several group exhibitions, and been invited to be part of other amazing art events.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I am an avid hiker and outdoorswoman. Few things excite me more than seeing clouds drape over mountains, wildflowers scattered like colorful polka dots, and water reflecting vibrant hues. My dream is to travel and paint these magnificent experiences for the rest of my life, while connecting with collectors who seek bold, dramatic canvases to enrich their spaces. The euphoria I feel in nature is what I hope to inspire in others through my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melaniedamore.com, www.denverartdays.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanieday_art