Melissa Richard

Melissa Richard (b. 1978) is heavily influenced by mid-century Abstract Expressionists like Robert Rauchenberg and Joan Mitchell, and much of her work combines collage and alternative forms of printmaking with abstract painting techniques, all oven into layers of bold, playful color and rich texture. From small works on paper to large scale paintings, color and texture are often the main characters in her work, as the artist uses these to explore complex emotions and relationships, particularly related to the themes of memory and childhood. Thoughtful and deeply introspective, her pieces carry notes of sadness, all the while being bright with hope and wonder; reflecting the artist’s own life experiences.

Melissa’s work was featured in ‘Group Effort,’ on view August 10-September 1, 2024.

“These small works are inspired by summer. They started as abstract color studies in acrylic, but I was gifted some vintage printed material for collage and came across these little photos from the 1960s that spoke to me.”

Melissa’s work was featured in ‘Glad You Asked,’ on view March 11-26, 2023.

“This work is a small color study done on mini stretched canvas. Playing with color and texture as well as various methods of mark-making on smaller work is one way I prepare for larger projects. The colors and texture of these felt “raw” and emotional.”