About the Artist
My career began in the fashion industry,working in Italy as a freelance fashion designer and consultant collaborating with some of Italy's major brands. After 18 years I left the fashion world and set up a new art and design studio,creating collections and illustrations for editorials and children's books,stationery,ceramics and glass.
Afew years later I returned to the UK and went to the Art Academy in London to study fine art including painting,drawing and sculpture full time. After college I decided to focus on drawing-portraits in particular-using exclusively dry media such as pastels and charcoal.
My work has been exhibited annually from 2013 at the Pastel Society UK Open Exhibitions in the Mall Galleries, where I have won 5 awards to date. I was elected a full member of the Pastel Society UK in 2017 www.thepastelsociety.org
I have also exhibited twice at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Open Exhibitions in the Mall Galleries London and other UK galleries.
In 2017 I began working with clay again and rtediscovered my passion for sculpture. Ceramic sculptiure is now an established part of my practice and has also inspired me to create my present collections of still life. My work is part of collections in the Uk,Italy and Canada.
"Melodie’s insights into people and cultures really separate her from other accomplished artists. You will always see a statement and point of view in her incredible work. Both the intensity and subtlety of her expression is like a signature on everything she produces."
Andy Wakefield
Creative Director at Help Agency
“Melodie’s work, once seen, leaves an impact; it’s uniquely her.
There’s sensitivity and depth to her vision.”
Cheryl Culver PPPS
Ex President of the Pastel Society
(from the Article "Artists To Watch"
Pastel Journal USA December 2017)
Melodie Cook PS