Melanie Coursey

An Interview with Melanie Coursey

What kind of art do you do?
I paint with oil paint on photographs that I have taken myself.
Sometimes I use pen and ink at some point in the process.
I print my photos on 8.5x11 acid free paper using my desk top printer.
I treat the paper photo with acrylic and sometimes I use Gesso.
I draw and paint on it until I'm satisfied with what I see.

Why?
Because it's fun, I enjoy it, and seem compelled to do it.

Tell me more.
I take photos of things that inspire me, they are things that have always caught my attention, specific light, patterns, textures, composition, colors or not. They are predictable and recognizable as images and themes.

Why do you choose the materials that you use?
My choice of materials keeps me honest. What you see is what you get. You see my interpretation of what I have seen, and what I've noticed about what I've seen and now, recorded.

Why do you paint on photographs?
The photographs are mine, with a very few exceptions. They are the first half of what I have to say. The painting and calligraphy are the second half. It keeps me from becoming obsessed with the process so early in the process, that I get bored and disenchanted. The photograph keeps me from quitting before I get to the point.

Will your paintings last forever?
I expect them to last as long as they need to.

E-mail Melanie

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Mission Statement:
The North Dallas Artist Studio Tour is an educational art event that invites the public into working studios of North Dallas artists, allowing an intimate view of the creative process. The Tour seeks to raise public awareness of the quality and diversity of artwork being produced by local artists and to demonstrate that art adds meaning and richness to community life.