Melissa Mendro creates original paintings between realism and abstraction. Melissa started painting in grade school, and worked in business for many years before refocusing on her love of painting. Those years of crafting business cases and presentations helped her seek out the essential parts of a visual composition. Those years also inspired her to search for moments to soak in nature and experiences without media and distractions. Her goal is to create art that offers a visual escape from the constant motion of daily life. She enjoys painting with bold colors, shapes, and textures to communicate a mood or a scene. She is inspired by all sorts of art styles, and incorporates various techniques into her paintings. Melissa loves to create realistic art as much as abstract and expressive art. She paints with high quality materials without adding solvents or turpentines. Melissa grew up in Ohio, and currently lives in northern Virginia.