I’m head over heels excited to share my new website with you. As you know, I’ve spent the last several months dreaming, designing, writing and fine tuning every aspect of my new online home. It’s one of the biggest projects I’ve ever accomplished (did I mention, I’m not a tech-y type person?!) But with the help of several incredible people who shared their wisdom and talents with me, I’m proud to announce that my new website and online gallery is *LIVE* and ready for visitors.
I invite you to learn about me and the story of how I became and artist, the inspiration behind my original paintings, and even how to start your own art collection.
Also, be sure to check out the Fine Art Prints page to see my brand new collection of prints on canvas and the Prints With Purpose page to read about the inspiration to use my *art for good* and donate proceeds from the sale of each and every print to a special charity I’m deeply passionate about.
Thank you. It’s because of your support that allows me to live my childhood dream of making beautiful, uplifting art each and every single day and gives me the ability to give back to our community and make life better for those who need it most. ❤️
P.S. As a thank you for supporting my art, right now I’m offering FREE shipping within North America on all Melissa McKinnon Fine Art Prints.
“Autumn Trees II” 12″x12″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
This sweet little 12″x12″ painting is part of my aspen and birch tree collection. Set in an autumn forest surrounded by trees and fall foliage, this painting is a close up study of a paper birch bark tree trunk and thick, dense layers of crisp yellow autumn leaves.
Using my signature impasto painting technique, I’ve used palette knives to sculpt and layer acrylic paint to create a semi abstract, thickly textured interpretation of a birch tree in nature. The leaves have turned from their summer greens to a variety of autumn yellow shades ranging from deep sienna, yellow ochre to a bright and vibrant lemon yellow. The brightness of the leaves stand out from the dark depths of the dense forest. At this time of year, the surrounding bushes and forest ground cover turn fiery shades of deep red which add a velvety richness to the painting.
The painted surface of the painting is thick and textured, creating a three dimensional effect of the leaves. The leaves literally jut out from the surface of the painting and the rough texture of the birch bark can be felt by touch as well as seen – adding a bit of realism to this otherwise abstract landscape painting.
“Autumn Trees II” 12″x12″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
“Autumn Trees II” 12″x12″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
A painting of colourful aspen trees and birch trees in a fall forest. Nature Art by Canadian Contemporary Landscape Artist Painter Melissa McKinnon. Aspen Tree Paintings and Aspen Tree Art for sale. Paintings and fine art prints of abstract landscapes and Autumn Fall trees. Acrylic and oil paintings on canvas of landscapes and trees created with palette knives and impasto texture. Colouful paintings of landscapes, nature and trees in autumn. Contemporary American landscape painting USA; abstract landscape artist USA Melissa McKinnon. Modern art and landscape paintings also available in fine art prints on canvas. Autumn aspen birch tree painting. Colourful paintings of nature and nature fine art prints on canvas. Colourful art painting, tree art, aspen trees and birch trees. Landscape paintings by Aspen artist, Melissa Mckinnon. Aspen tree art paintings by Aspen tree artist in Aspen fine art gallery USA. Aspen tree forest painting. Aspen tree art painting, Birch Tree Painting. Birch Tree Art; abstract landscape painting; abstract tree painting.
“With Wild Abandon” 48″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas $3450
Colourful Fall Aspen and Birch Tree Forest Painting by Abstract Landscape Painter Melissa McKinnon, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
“With Wild Abandon” 48″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
“With Wild Abandon” {Detail} 48″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
“With Wild Abandon” {Detail} 48″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
This is a close up detail of one of the paint strokes in “With Wild Abandon”.
Do you see the heart?
It was completely a serendipitous ‘happy accident’ but once I saw it I had to leave it in the painting. It’s become a symbol of everything this painting and my work as a whole, stands for – optimism, joy and seeing the beauty in everyday moments.
In this process, I use a palette knife loaded with a selection of various colours and as I ‘pull the stroke’ the colours blend and create the varied blends and texture. The result is spontaneous, always different and could never be duplicated. It’s one of the things I love most about this series – each and every stroke is unique and beautiful in it’s own way.
“With Wild Abandon” {Detail} 48″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
“With Wild Abandon” {Detail} 48″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
“With Wild Abandon” {Detail} 48″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
“With Wild Abandon” {Detail} 48″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Colourful Aspen Trees Birch Tree Forest Nature Art Painting by Canadian Contemporary Landscape Artist Painter Melissa McKinnon. Aspen Tree Art and Aspen Tree Paintings for sale.Paintings and fine art prints of Autumn Fall trees. Acrylic and oil paintings of landscapes and trees. Colouful paintings of trees created with thick impasto paint and a palette knife. Contemporary American landscape painting USA; contemporary landscape artist USA. Modern art and landscape paintings also available in fine art prints on canvas. Chicago paintings; Chicago Fine Art gallery. Autumn aspen birch tree painting; colourful paintings of nature and nature fine art prints on canvas. Colourful art painting, tree art, aspen trees and birch trees. Landscape paintings, Aspen artist, Melissa Mckinnon. Aspen Colorado paintings; Aspen tree art paintings by Aspen tree artist in Aspen fine art gallery USA. Colorado art Painting USA, Colorado paintings, Colorado artist; Aspen tree forest painting. Aspen tree art painting, Birch Tree Painting. Chicago Illinois USA landscape art painting, Chicago Illinois artist, Chicago Illinois fine art gallery. Birch Tree Art; abstract landscape painting; abstract tree painting.
I just returned from a spectacular painting trip in Hawaii with my family (more on that later). Long story short, it was beautiful, inspirational and full of new, awe-inspiring adventures. A new painting series is sure to follow.
But for now, it’s back to the studio and *real life*…
If you’re anything like me, the holiday season tends to sneak up on you. As an entrepreneur and busy Mom of two young girls, I always feel like I’m catching up, running from one thing to the next. One minute we’re celebrating ‘back to school’ and the next we’re putting up the Christmas tree, baking gingerbread cookies and shopping for the *perfect* gifts. Where does the time go?!
For me, all the hustle and bustle is worth it to see the look on my girls’ faces first thing Christmas morning once they’ve seen all the new goodies (and art supplies!) that Santa has left for them (and me!).
As a child, Christmas Day was always so busy travelling in the car to visit one side of our family, then the next. So now as an adult, my absolute favourite thing to do is spend the entire day as a family, at home, in our pyjamas, playing games and making crafts together. Then, when it’s time for Christmas dinner, we love to host our extended family at our house and we celebrate well into the night.
I know everyone has their own special way of celebrating the holidays, what are some of your favourite family traditions? Just hit reply, I’d love to know.
Ok, now for the good stuff…
A Holiday Sale!
*insert jolly music here*
I want to thank you for all of your support this past year. I appreciate each and every email, word of mouth referral and for allowing me to share my passion for art with you every month in your inbox.
As a token of my gratitude, I’m offering FREE shippingon all existing paintings in my gallery.
Three days only…(so I can ensure all shipments arrive in time for Christmas).
So, if you’ve had your eye on a particular painting, now is the best time of year to bring it home and make it yours forever.
My offer for free shipping starts now and ends midnight on Sunday, December 10, 2017.
Original paintings of aspen and birch trees, seascapes and contemporary abstract landscapes. Beautiful large paintings are perfect for a living room or a statement piece of art in a bedroom. All available paintings are ready to ship anywhere in Canada and the United States. Looking for a vibrant and colorful work of art for your living room or bedroom, Melissa McKinnon paints beautiful one of a kind landscape paintings that will add a pop of vibrant color to your home decor. Custom fine art paintings of aspen and birch trees, ocean beaches, abstract landscapes, florals, and abstract art are available, contact Melissa McKinnon to have a custom painting made just for you.
SOLD “Kiss the Sky” 36″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
My painting ‘KISS THE SKY’ will be part of TIMERAISER CALGARY 150 this Thursday, September 28.
Timeraiser is a party and an art auction. Attendees bid against each other to win an original piece of art, but instead of bidding dollars, they bid volunteer hours. You can volunteer at any non-profit organization in Calgary and you have a full year to complete your hours.
Artists are paid for their work, non-profits find skilled volunteers, Calgarians find meaningful volunteer opportunities. #winwinwin
Here’s your chance to own one of my original paintings for $0 and feel good by giving back to our beautiful city with your time.
Join me tomorrow,Thursday, September 28 from 7:30 – 10 pm at Arts Commons and party for social good!
Tickets are only $22, but you can save $5 with code YYC150! Tickets and more info available here: http://www.timeraiser.ca/calgary
“Kiss the Sky” {detail} 36″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
“Kiss the Sky” {detail} 36″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
“Kiss the Sky” {detail} 36″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
“Kiss the Sky” {detail} 36″x36″ Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Timeraiser started fourteen years ago with the hopes of bridging several common gaps in the art and volunteer community. Timeraiser parties:
-expose up-and-coming artists to new audiences
-make artwork more accessible to the next generation of art collectors
-connect nonprofits with skilled volunteers.
In 2017, Timeraiser is honoured to be one of thirty-eight Canada 150 signature projects. The Timeraiser 150 festivities span from coast to coast with 10 live parties in 10 provinces and a goal of up to 150,000 pledged volunteer hours across the country. With 9 parties under our belt, Calgary is the GRAND FINALE, and we can’t think of a better place to kick-up our heels and celebrate!
Join us on Thursday, September 28 from 7:30 – 10 pm at Arts Commons and party for social good!
Sled Island Music and Arts Festival is presenting Astral Swans and Bad Portraits artist Mandy Stobo is painting live. There are food trucks, drinks from Steamwhistle and, rumour has it, a cotton candy machine. Some of the amazing artists being featured include Curtis Van Sorenson, Melissa McKinnon, Paula Timm, Cory Nespor and David Dean. Meet with non-profits from the arts, wildlife and animal welfare and access to athletics (the full list can be found on the Timeraiser website). Got your ticket yet?
An original abstract landscape painting of blue sky and dramatic white fluffy clouds. Beautiful large landscape paintings perfect for a bedroom or a statement piece of art in your living room. Abstract seascapes and sky paintings ready to ship anywhere in Canada and the United States. Worldwide shipping for art is available. Looking for a large original painting of calming blue skies, a peaceful seascape, or abstract landscape art for your living room or bedroom, Melissa McKinnon paints beautiful one of a kind landscape paintings that will add a pop of vibrant color to your home decor. Custom fine art paintings of blue oceans, tranquil beaches, and peaceful sunset skies available, contact Melissa McKinnon to have a custom landscape painting made just for you.
I will soon be offering a new line of beautiful high quality prints directly from my website. I’d love to get your feedback on the style and options that you’d like to see made available for these prints.
Fine art prints are expected to be released in the Fall 2017. A beautiful collection of canvas giclee prints will be ready to ship anywhere in Canada and the United States (please inquire for worldwide shipping). Melissa McKinnon creates beautiful one of a kind landscape paintings that will add a pop of vibrant color to your home or office decor. Custom fine art paintings of aspen and birch trees, prairie and mountain landscapes, flowers and seascapes are available, contact Melissa McKinnon to have a custom painting made just for you.
Aloha! Seasons Greetings!
