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Melani Pyke
Inspirational Oil & Acrylic Paintings on canvas; Custom airbrushing
"My aim is to make your art experience a rewarding one in every way, whether you are viewing, purchasing, or creating art. Bucking the stereotype of artists being difficult to work with, I enjoy working closely with clients to help them get their visions onto canvas."
Crystal Beach, Ontario, painter Melani Pyke particularly enjoys creating performance paintings live for events around Toronto and the Niagara region. These can be either imaginative pieces for a specific audience, or 'plein air' paintings of the surroundings. Melani also welcomes commissioned work ranging from murals to portraits to graphic design. Please contact us for quotes and booking information. Most of her paintings are created with oil or acrylic on canvas. Her 3 years' experience in custom framing has developed her eye for design, and commitment to excel in customer service.
Born in Brantford, Ontario, Melani showed artistic talent from a young age. By the age of 13, Melani began to teach drawing and painting classes, and at 16 Melani began to exhibit her oil paintings locally in solo and group shows. Melani received artistic training from Youth With a Mission's School of Illustration program from 2000 to 2001. In 2003, she graduated with honours and awards from Mohawk College’s Graphic Design Production program, and since then has branched into fine art, exhibiting in a wide variety of venues across Ontario including churches and coffee shops as well as the traditional art galleries.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
When did you begin painting?
I first picked up a crayon, (and apparently stayed within the lines and didn't eat the crayon,) when I was 10 months old. Like every child, I loved to paint, but unlike most kids, I kept at it! I have always believed that my talent is from God; no one else in my family is an artist. I began oil painting when I was 11, and teaching other children from my home studio. I have been painting "live" at church services and events for over 10 years.
How do you come up with ideas?
Usually from a combination of sources. My first idea often changes many times before I'm satisfied and consider it a finished art piece...
- the Bible
- my own 'doodling' and rough sketches
- other art forms such as music, dance, etc.
- geography (including the natural environment as well as human geography)
- photography and other paintings (mine or others')
- people
Do you teach?
I am often called upon to teach workshops or seminars, which I try to keep current on the Events page. In the past, I have held weekly classes ranging from private lessons to groups of 30 or more, so if you are interested in taking a class, please let me know and I would be happy to recommend or organize a course that would best suit your needs.
How did you get started painting in churches?
From a young age, I enjoyed taking part in church community life, and was encouraged to use my talents to encourage and teach others. One day, while visiting a church in Toronto, I was enthralled with a group of painters working on canvases right up front with the musicians. I volunteered in my home church's youth group to do the same. People could reflect on the artwork and music together, and many people were genuinely touched by the creative processes taking place right in front of them. I took every opportunity that came to me, and began to receive invitations from a wide variety of groups.
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