We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melanie Warsinske. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melanie below.

Alright, Melanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I received my BFA in Studio Art from Texas Tech University in the mid-70’s. From the day I started painting, I was constructing large scale canvases with attached wood, metal and other textures; then painting into them with oil paint. I have continued painting in this style of using added textures prior to the painting process, and I love how the paint seeps into the textures and the experimental and experiential ‘journey’ begins with each painting.

I was fortunate to grow up traveling both in the U.S. as well as throughout Europe, and was inspired by the different cultures and varied landscapes. Nature’s landscapes, seascapes and skyscapes are eternal inspirations for my paintings. The layers and movement within all of these ‘scapes’ never cease to get my creative juices going.

Although, I have had different jobs although the way to help support my household, since 2019, I’ve been fortunate to paint full-time in my private home studio in Colorado. I have current gallery representation in both Denver, CO and Santa Fe, NM

Melanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Although there are creative genes in my family, my journey to become a full-time artist was inspired by my history teacher in high school! Without going into too much detail, the short version is — I was very shy and asked my history teacher if I could draw pictures to go along with our 3-person oral historic presentations. Luckily, my teacher recognized my ‘fears’ and eventually let me draw historic imagery and then other things for her classroom. It was my teacher who encouraged me to study art in college … and the rest is ‘history’!

In college, I feel very fortunate to have had the art instructors I had. They let me experiment, explore and soar! I have carried the confidence my professors instilled in me to this day! You have to have confidence to be an artist — the minute you begin to second guess yourself or your artwork … it’s impossible for your true soul to express itself.

All of my paintings are abstract, whether NON-representational (totally abstract) or representational (having subject matter such as horses or aspen trees). I’m often commissioned to create paintings. It’s a very simple process, I have the ability for people to visit my studio personally, or if that’s not possible, I send them ] to my website and if they see a painting that speaks to them, but they have a different color scheme or size requirement – I’m glad to paint something similar … but will never recreate a painting I’ve done before. By painting something similar, but unique unto its self, I’m honoring and respecting the initial collector’s purchase.

I’m fortunate and proud to be able to work as a full-time artist and to be able to support myself and contribute financially to my household. I’m so humbled when others love my artwork enough to purchase it and showcase my paintings in their home or office space — I’m truly honored!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As an abstract artist, I have the opportunity to express myself visually with confidence. Personality wise, I’m an introvert – but my artwork gives me the opportunity to ‘come out of my shell and feel confident’. Viewers are curious about my inspirations and the ‘story’ behind my work. I often hear how my paintings take people on a journey! And that’s what happens to me while I’m painting — I’m also going on a journey and I never know where it’s going to take me. What an honor for me to have that connection with my viewer — takes my breath away!

Having viewers ‘feel’ or ‘see something special’ in my artwork, is ultimately why I love to paint. I never thought too much about it before … until I realized that I’ve been painting for many, many years; and I’m as inspired today as I was when I walked into my first college painting class a very long time ago!

Sharing my gift of painting with an art lover is truly my reward!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The expression of ART changes lives for the better. Instead of defunding Art programs, there needs to be a focus on the positive impacts of artistic expression … and how it instills confidence and positivity in humans … and in animals too for that matter!

Public schools and higher education institutions need to keep important curriculums of developmental classes such as art, dance, music, etc . We need to figure out how to keep funding sources available for the ARTS. Social media is one of our largest forms of outreach — I still think our educational institutions are the key to keeping arts alive!

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Facebook: melanie warsinske nuchols
• Linkedin: Melanie Nuchols
• Twitter: @MelWarsinske2