Within the Landscape: Mellissa Read-Devine – 1st June – 23rd June , 2024

I am delighted to welcome the talented Mellissa Read-Devine back for another solo exhibition at Purple Noon Gallery. In these times of so much unsettling news, it is a true joy to present a stunning collection of her most uplifting and vibrant landscape paintings.

Mellissa’s distinctive style, marked by her energizing palette and layered brush strokes, has evolved into a macro-pointillist approach. Her work celebrates shape, colour, and the brushstrokes of contemporary impressionism. The combination of quirkiness and calm in her pieces creates a strong spiritual foundation that resonates deeply with viewers. Her idiosyncratic characteristics make her work highly sought after by both Australian and international collectors.

In her unique multi-coloured style, Mellissa brings the natural landscape to life. She merges pixelated explosions of paint with a constantly changing pattern or sequence of elements.

Colours of the light spectrum are beautifully interrupted by delicate daubs that flicker across the canvas with grace and harmony. In this exhibition, Mellissa’s deep connection with the natural landscape is evident, highlighting her profound love for the beauty of our environment and its flora and fauna.

Be captivated by the powerful immediacy and extraordinary colour combinations that emerge from Mellissa’s paintings. They are visually spectacular and invite viewers to seek further harmony and empathy with the natural world. This collection is a testament to her ability to animate landscapes with an invigorating, sincere and harmonious touch.

Mellissa was born in England and as a child emigrated to Australia with her family. Having lived in Melbourne, Canberra, Townsville, and Darwin, she now lives in rural Sydney overlooking the Hawkesbury River. Since the 90’s she has continuously studied and practised painting and printmaking honing her art to vibrant optimistic harmony with the natural landscape.

The recipient of many Australian art prizes, Melissa’s style is distinctive with her electric palette and layered application of brush strokes. Mellissa’s paintings have evolved into her “macropointilist” style celebrating the shape, colour and brushstroke of contemporary impressionism. These characteristics come together presenting unique representations sought after by both Australian and international collectors alike.

Be captivated by the powerful immediacy and extraordinary colour emerging from Mellissa’s paintings. They are visually spectacular and invite the viewer to search for further harmony and empathy with the natural landscape. A Fellow of the Royal Art Society of NSW, Mellissa is also a fine art tutor and travels to teach art enrichment workshops around the world.