Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melanie M Brannan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Melanie M, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
November 2020, my good friend and gallery director, Maryann Wegloski, asked me to do one more solo exhibition at the Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts. I agreed on the condition that the exhibition could be about our friendship, because Maryann had diagnosed with nodular melanoma. January and February 2021, I created ‘A Celebration of Friendship’, 24 paintings that chronicled our friendship. The paintings were created in so many styles from pop art, impressionism, impasto, even resined Skittles. “Piggy and the Pinwheels” was our trip to one of her many doctor appointments. “Fish Filets” was our favorite meal after the infusion appointments. I also painted Freddie Mercury in honor of the concert we went to with the Queen Tribute Band. And Brad Pitt because our favorite movie was “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood.” While I was creating the paintings, Maryann had been hospitalized and because of Covid restrictions she was not allowed visitors. Each day, I would text her the progress of the painting and their stories. It brought her the greatest joy seeing our friendship being expressed on canvas. I was honored to be able to paint for her and express my gratitude of our friendship. Maryann never got to see her show in person as she passed away just as it was installed. It touched the hearts of so many, seeing the paintings and reading the story behind each painting. It helped us all through the very difficult time of losing Maryann. “A Celebration of Friendship” will always be my greatest exhibition. All proceeds from the exhibition went to AIM at Melanoma Foundation. It raised $14,000. The paintings and stories can be seen at my website, https://www.melaniembrannan.com/exhibitformaryann
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I’m a fine artist and educator. My work is in private collections across the United States. I am presently represented by Art Gallery Pure in Plano, TX. They also show my work in exhibitions in New York, Santa Fe San Diego and Miami.
Prior to being a fine artist, I had graphic design firm in Dallas. My client list included national and international accounts including Neiman Marcus, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Southwest Airlines, and Mobil Oil Corporation. It was a great run, having my own business. I had the best clients in Dallas, working with nationally renowned writers, printers, photographers and illustrators; producing work that garnered solid results for my clients, all while making a great living. I loved the pressure of creating great work, deadlines and budgets. And, I loved working with my clients, especially Neiman Marcus. I was told I had to meet two of three objectives: 1. Top quality, 2. On budget, 3. Never miss the deadline…but the reality was I had to make all three objectives. I had that account for 25 years, even working directly with Stanley Marcus.” In 2008, the economy started a downward spiral resulting in many businesses having to retool, including mine.
From Designer to Fine Artist
In 2009, I closed the design firm and returned to painting. I starting working with a client who was building a home in Highland Park and wanted a few commission pieces. For years, we would meet weekly discussing art, reviewing comps and delivering the final pieces. I painted over 20 pieces for that home. Those paintings were the departure point for my new career, learning techniques and what acrylic paints were capable of.
Learning While Teaching
While starting this new career as a fine artist, I taught painting classes to adults and children. Soon, I discovered how much I loved to teach, the techniques, the history of art and the Masters. Teaching has brought so much to my own paintings. When you are teaching a Matisse, van Gogh or Kandinsky, you have to know their story, brush strokes, techniques and palettes. You have a deeper understanding of connections between art movements, artists and their communities. Even the history of culture and politics. It has brought a deeper level of understanding to my painting. I will forever be a student of art. So many people expect perfection when they paint. But art, just like life, is not perfect. We need to be forgiving of ourselves. “If you don’t like what’s happening on the canvas, change what’s on your brush,” is my motto. Isn’t that a lesson we all need
to learn? Since the ‘pandamnit’ as I call it, I also teach online, having clients nationwide through the Pacific Arts League in Palo Alto. I have taught workshops in France and Italy and also teach yearly workshops in Santa Fe. My most memorable students? “Lucca and Angela. I worked with seven-year-old Lucca while in the hospital recovering from a life-threatening illness. And Angela, painting with me one more time was the last wish on her bucket list. I went to her hospice room, and we painted an owl for her grandson’s room. She passed two days later. I’ll never forget them.
Golden Artist Colors Educator
In 2017, Golden Artist Colors, the inventor of acrylic paints, invited me to become a Certified Educator (there are 200 worldwide) for their paints. It was without a doubt the greatest week of my life, in New Orleans with artists from all over the world. We experimented with all of Golden’s paints, gels, pastes, mediums. I was blown away with each project, learning what was possible with these paints. With the new knowledge of their products and new applications, it caused my style to explode. I’ve used their paint exclusively since 2009, and I am still learning what these paints are capable of.
The Inspiration
I am inspired by compassion, truth, and respect. As for my greater purpose in life, I want to be able to use my talent for the good by doing more solo shows with a purpose. My next project, ‘Women with Power and Compassion,’ I will be collaborating with writer and artist Christopher Miller. This exhibition will be in my PopRocks style. My spare time is spent around a campfire with friends cooking and laughing. I am quite the campfire chef. When not in my studio, I’m in Santa Fe painting and hiking in Galisteo Basin on a trail named after my mom, “Nana’s Surprise.”
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Teaching people to paint. Teaching people to be forgiving of themselves when painting, to look at what is perceived as a mistake turn into the best part of the painting. I’ve taught ladies who escaped being trafficked, a family whose niece was a victim at Sandy Hook, people who have had a terminal diagnosis, children with learning differences, the list is long. When painting, it frequently turns into a therapy session.
And I love when people are looking at my paintings have an emotional reaction. I’ve had a client buy my painting because it reminded her of the spirit of her father that recently. Another client started crying when she saw my work. She said it was the first time in years she could let go of her anxiety. I’m thrilled that my work touches people so deeply.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2008, when the economy spiraled down, my graphic design business was hit hard. I closed the business and started painting. Best move ever! During the Pandemic, my in-person classes were cancelled. I took them online with Zoomie! I had my most profitable summer ever. I worked my tail off packaging supplies for all the classes, but I kept all my clients busy painting!
Contact Info:
- Website: MelanieMBrannan.com
- Instagram: @melbrannanartist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniembrannan
- Other: https://artgalleryinc.com/melanie-brannan