Melissa Van Dam
Born and raised in Orillia, Melissa had a keen interest in art from her earliest memories. Being homeschooled by her Mom, also an artist, she had the opportunity from a young age to explore and experiment with many different mediums and styles including watercolours, acrylics, graphite, digital, graphic design, textiles and functional art. It also gave Melissa the opportunity to learn and experiment with everything from sewing to jewelry making, crocheting, knitting and pattern making. Currently she works primarily in watercolors, acrylics and graphic design.
In her early teens she took a portraits course that unlocked a love and ability for realism. For many of her teen years and early twenties she was commissioned for family portraits as well as pets. Teaching the Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain method, which she started in her early twenties, exposed her to the joy of helping others grow in their art journey and ability.
Melissa went to welding school in her mid twenties and worked with building boats, AutoCAD, CNC, design and engineering. While she wasn’t working as an artist full time, her artistic skills gave her a great edge in the design world and she continued exploring her creative side, teaching and taking on commissions when she was able.
While getting married, having and homeschooling her children took most of her days for the next ten years, in the last few years, she been able to start teaching and creating artwork again!
Melissa’s primary signatures are vibrant sunset skylines, landscapes, nature and realism. She offers a wide range of products made from her artwork, as well as watercolour and acrylic original works that can be found at several artisan stores in the Simcoe County area. From greeting cards, stickers, painted shelves and t-shirts offered in her Etsy store, to small, medium and larger works of art, she offers something for everyone!
ARTWORK
Original art for sale
“Art for the emotion. Art for your home. Hibernation Arts has what you are looking for. All art work is for sale at Hibernation Arts Shop and Gallery. Come in and browse.”