Melissa grew up on a small farm in Vermont and began drawing at an early age. As a small girl obsessed with horses, she spent many hours trying to capture them on paper. She was lucky enough to be mentored by the watercolor artist Robert Potter at the age of 12 (lessons were bartered in exchange for hay for his elderly Saddlebred horse Charley) and he helped shape her watercolor technique. Her style favors realism and her works vary in size. Melissa has frequently donated paintings to local charities to help raise funds and enjoys volunteering. She currently resides in the woods of north Florida with her husband, dog and cat. Her artistic energy is focused on creating watercolor landscapes, seascapes, and animal portraits although she does venture into other mediums when the mood strikes.