About
My Creative Process
I work with a process of freehand painting dimensional lines of acrylic paints and layering washes of translucent acrylic color on canvas. My work is known for its spiraling movement, color, and rich texture.
Why spirals?
Spirals are how things grow and change-in the galaxies, in the garden, in our physical bodies, and in our inner lives. The spiral is the most common design form seen in nature and symbolic of growth, change, and transformation.
I’m inspired by long walks in nature and the beauty of our natural world. And, I’m endlessly fascinated in using line, color and movement to explore my thoughts, emotions, and ideas. I keep many written and visual journals full of my creative ideas and explorations and this journal work is the creative beginning of my paintings. When I begin a painting, the physical act of creating the repetitive motion of curves is a calming and meditative creative act for me. Then, I typically use large round brushes to paint layers of color washes over the lines.
I use painting as the vehicle to express the nuanced stories of my life. I believe that when an artist creates out of the authentic realities of life, the dynamic of that journey is translated through the transcendence of line, color, and shape, which illuminates the journey for all those who experience the artwork.
FAQ
How do you paint those lines?
The lines are made with acrylic paint and acrylic mediums which create the raised texture. I use thin squeeze bottles to freehand the textured lines. The lines are typically black for a bold outline or clear lines that preserve the original white of the canvas.
Is it glue? Is it wax?
No, all the lines are made with acrylic products.
Do you swing a can suspended by a string?
No! I know you may have seen videos of swinging house paint cans dripping paint out onto a canvas. But, believe it or not, all my lines are painted by my hand. Years of muscle memory allow my shoulder, arm and hand to work in harmony to create the spiraling shapes.
FAQ
How do you paint those lines?
The lines are made with acrylic paint and acrylic mediums which create the raised texture. I use thin squeeze bottles to freehand the textured lines. The lines are typically black for a bold outline or clear lines that preserve the original white of the canvas.
Is it glue? Is it wax?
No, all the lines are made with acrylic products.
Do you swing a can suspended by a string?
No! I know you may have seen videos of swinging house paint cans dripping paint out onto a canvas. But, believe it or not, all my lines are painted by my hand. Years of muscle memory allow my shoulder, arm and hand to work in harmony to create the spiraling shapes.
Artist Bio
Melynda Van Zee is an acrylic painter, author, art educator and art coach. She shares her fine artwork at art exhibitions and art fairs throughout the United States. Her works are in the collections of numerous private and corporate collectors nationally and internationally. She is the author of an art technique book published by Lark Books and enjoys coaching artists and creating art journals. She earned her BA in Education and Art from Dordt University. Melynda maintains two studios, one at Mainframe Studios in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, and one at home in the quiet heart of the prairies of central Iowa.