Sunnyshore Studio is thrilled to have our neighbor and the Vice President of the Camano Arts Association, Melanie Serroels, as one of our guest artist for the 20th Annual Camano Island Studio Tour. Mark Your Calendars for the 20th Anniversary Camano Island Mother’s Day Studio Tour this May Melanie does so much to make the arts hum on Camano, and we’re thrilled to be able to showcase her sparkling watercolors.
Sunnyshore Studio: Tell us about yourself.
Melanie: I’ve always lived in the Pacific Northwest. I grew up in Portland, moved to Redmond WA in 1988 and became a full time resident on Camano in 2010. I spend most of my time volunteering for Camano Arts Association. Currently I’m serving as the Vice President, Acting Secretary, Volunteer Hours Recorder, and Website Committee member. I have a home studio. My husband and I are retired. We enjoy traveling the USA seeing friends and visiting our national parks.
Sunnyshore Studio: How did you get started in art?
Melanie: Art has always been a part of my life. My parents were creative and I received good general art instruction throughout my elementary and high school education. I started taking watercolor instruction from a professional artist in1973. My style, technique, and palette is still influenced by my first art instructor, Charles Mulvey. I have also taken watercolor workshops from Robert Landry, Thomas William Jones, and Jack Dorsey. I enjoyed learning to use acrylics from Dianna Shyne, and Jed Dorsey.
What has been your journey as an artist?
Melanie: I think the turning point in my painting career was moving to Camano Island and waking up everyday to the beauty and changing atmosphere outside my window. When we first moved here I was possessed with painting whatever my eyes landed on. I painted almost every day. Today, I’m busy with lots of other activities, but I enjoy using that artist’s eye to observe and plan paintings of many beautiful scenes on Camano Island.
I don’t really feel it’s been a journey as much as it’s been a life’s practice to do creative things. I have many interests, but being creative and creating art has always been my go to for personal satisfaction. Sometimes it’s not doing, but sharing what I do, and helping others realize that they can do it too.
Sunnyshore Studio: What about your future as an artist?
Melanie: I was juried onto the Camano Island Studio Tour in 2009, and participated in the tour for four years. I’ve also sold my paintings through our local galleries. I regularly donate my paintings to fundraising auctions for local charities. I’ve also been active in art mentoring programs, working with young artists at local schools.
Sunnyshore Studio: Why are you excited to participate in the 20th Annual 2018 Studio Tour at Sunnyshore Studio?
Melanie: Over the past six years, painting has taken a back seat to life. I am grateful for Jason and Jenny’s encouragement to get back into painting and exhibiting my work here at Sunnyshore Studios. New works are starting to dance in my head and painting feels scary and good!