Hi, I’m Melinda
and I’m so happy you’re here.
When I’m not working on creating lesson plans for my students, you’ll find me either in my garden, curled up with a cup of tea and the Good Book or other reading, or walking the beautiful trails of our island.
I’m a dancing fool and I enjoy a nice glass of red wine or, what my kids have coined, a “Dirty Melinda,” beer in a wine glass with ice cubes. Yep. I like it classy.
I am a self studied artist, which means I didn’t attend art school, which led me for years to think less of my ability. I have come to realize, the letters don’t always mean you are a more worthy artist; rather, it’s time put in and the passion to pursue.
I’ve been teaching watercolours for over 30 years and have spring and fall semester classes as well as summer “one off” seminars. I love my students and the utter joy I feel when they realize, “yes, I can create!” There is no magic formula, you just have to want it!
As corny and overused as it sounds, I am inspired by nature. Every day I wake up and pinch myself, “I live here and I get to be inspired by and create here!”
In my opinion, light is the most important thing, in life and in art.
xo Melinda
Things you maybe didn’t know
(And if you don’t want to, that’s okay too!)
My favourite colour is green but my favorite paint colour is purple…the colour of royalty…it finds its way into most of my work which has become a snickering point for my students.
I’m a bird-aholic and love spotting new varieties.
I was adopted at 2 weeks old into an amazing family; raised with two brothers and at 48, discovered three half-sisters who so enhance my life.
My grandkids call me, “Yia Yia,” instead of “Grandma” (pronounced ‘ya ya’).
I strongly dislike the taste of coffee.
I am a pray-er. I believe my prayers don’t change God, but they change me. I do believe He listens. I am a seeker and follower of Jesus.
A guilty pleasure of mine is red wine and cheese followed by more red wine and chocolate.
I’ve been accused of being a prima donna tea drinker as I like my organic, fair trade black tea with creamo and a splash of vanilla coconut milk.
Warning: while biking I stop to rescue snakes, newts, slugs, bumble bees and yes, even worms in the middle of the road.
“I love Melinda’s art class because of her enthusiasm, natural teaching ability, the wonder of watching her create and because she encouraged me to try something challenging and feel able!”