Krystii Melaine is a figurative and
portrait artist, currently exploring the lives of the people of the American
West. Classically trained in the realist tradition of the old masters,
Krystii captures the essence of each personality and provides us with a glimpse
into their lives, using the richness and subtlety of oil paints on linen to
tell their stories.
Born in the Australian town of Bairnsdale,
Victoria, Krystii Melaine was a quiet child who carefully observed the people
and animals encountered in her life. Announcing at the age of four that she was going to be an artist,
Krystii won her first art competition at seven. By the age of fourteen, she was
selling paintings and accepting commissions. Following university studies in
painting, drawing and graphic design, Krystii established her own fashion
design company, developing it into one of the largest bridal and evening-wear
companies in Australia. Through
the process of designing and fitting gowns for individual clients, Krystii
gained an intimate knowledge of the human form and the structure of clothing,
which informs her portraiture and figurative paintings today.
A burning desire to return to painting led
Krystii to five years of study in traditional tonal realism and the
oil-painting techniques of the old masters with renowned Australian artist,
Graham Moore. Drawing on Moore's 80 years of artistic experience provided her
with a strong background in portraiture, figurative and still life painting. A trip to the USA in 1998 rekindled a
fascination for the American West and was the catalyst for her ongoing personal
journey of artistic exploration and discovery in the region. Krystii's
paintings capture the many individuals encountered on her travels, recording
moments in their contemporary lives, or re-creating the lives of their
ancestors who shaped the history of America. Horses are an integral part
of this rich tapestry of Western life, whether as the working partner of
cowboys or an essential element of survival and culture for Native
Americans. The distinctive wildlife of this region is another facet of
Krystii's repertoire, rounding out her telling of the stories of the
West.
Krystii has recently moved with her
husband, Michael, from Australia to Spokane, Washington, to be closer to her
favorite region and its people. In-depth
research informs her paintings, and her skills as a fine artist allow us to
connect with the people and feel we know them. Once all the elements and
details of a painting have been thoroughly researched and planned, Krystii
sketches the composition on a linen panel, and then applies a loose wash of
color and tone to establish the basic concept. Working alla prima, she
begins at the focal point and completes each area as she works, paying careful
attention to all of the myriad elements that make up a successful work of art.
Krystii also paints traditional portraits
on commission. Her skill in capturing an accurate likeness while expressing the
personality of the sitter in a strong, painterly style has led to many official
and private portraits.
Krystii's work is regularly exhibited in
major museums and world class exhibitions. Her many awards include Best of
Show 2D at Cowgirl Up! and at Heart of the West , The Painting Award at the
Buffalo Bill Art Show in Cody, Best of Show at NatureWorks in Oklahoma four
times, The Award of Merit - Bird in Arts For The Parks, Wyoming, and many from
the Wildlife Art Society of Australasia. Articles about Krystii’s work have appeared in magazines including
Southwest Art, Art of the West, Western Art Collector, Wildlife Art, Wildscape,
U.S. Art and InformArt, and in several books.
Krystii Melaine's compelling oil paintings
document her personal journey of discovery in the American West, capturing the
varied personalities and telling their stories with all the skills of a master
fine artist.
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