The Devine Miss M

The Creative World of Mellissa Read-Devine

"...Mellissa's paintings are visually spectacular and invite the viewer to search for further harmony and empathy with the natural landscape. She brings the natural landscape and birds of Australia to life" - Robyn Williams, Purple Noon Gallery

Mellissa Read- Devine is optimistic, passionate, joyful, radiant, curious, playful, generous, exotic, colourful, ebullient, relaxed, compassionate, tolerant, quirky, fun, modest, focused, observant, and kind…and I have been lucky enough to know Mellissa and exhibit and sell her work since 2013.
As is evident in the images below Mellissa’s qualities shine through her work. Everyone who purchases a painting or print by Mellissa Read-Devine takes home a piece that will reflect these qualities every day.

Mellissa says that “Since the 90’s I have continuously studied and practised painting and printmaking honing my art to vibrant optimistic harmony with the natural landscape." Her style is distinctive with her electric palette and layered application of brush strokes. Mellissa has named her style "macropointilism". Her work is admired by both Australian and international collectors alike. It is included in many private and public collections around the world.

Mellissa is an award winning artist who thrives on the process of painting “Whilst painting I work in many layers, and have a marvelous time slapping paint on, spraying, dripping and generally getting immersed in the act of painting. Only then will I settle down and start to tame the work into an image I am happy with”.
 
As Mellissa says "the process of painting is joy for me. Florals and landscapes are all around us and with them I never have to struggle for inspiration. I invite the viewer into my world to see contemporary scenes in rich optical mixes of brushstroke and hue. I love bringing into being images that inspire me. I love seeing my work on the wall - both in exhibitions and in the places they will eventually call home".
"The hospitals should be full of Mellissa's paintings. They'd make everyone feel better!"
Mellissa is also an accomplished print maker. Relief prints in lino cuts and wood engraving show another side of her arts practice. In an illustrative style, they depict Australia's flora and fauna and domestic scenes with great observation and affection. “Printmaking is very different, totally the opposite of my painting. It calls for quiet contemplation of the image. Planning then drawing onto the block. Then the careful carving out which is very meditative. Revealing the first proof is the exciting moment.”
Mellissa is also an inspiring and supportive teacher. She loves "interacting with and encouraging her students to find their own style". An associate of the Royal Art Society of NSW, Mellissa is an art and craft tutor and travels to teach art enrichment workshops around the country and overseas.