Krystii Melaine

“Painting is my lifelong passion. After a childhood filled with art and nine years as a fashion designer, I began studying traditional oil painting in the early 1990’s. I’ve been highly successful as a portrait, wildlife and western artist in the USA and Australia. I’ve pushed the boundaries of realism a bit and diversified my subjects over the years, but mostly stayed in the traditional realism box. I still love to paint the realism subjects I'm most known for.

However, in the past few years I’ve found myself at a point in life where I have more to say than can be expressed through realism alone. Life events, losses and discoveries have all contributed to the thoughts that I want to express through my paintings. I’ve been flirting with ideas of abstraction for years, and at last I’ve found the courage to break out of that realism box and explore modern artistic concepts.

After a lot of experimenting to discover what Krystii Melaine Modern looks like, a new collection of quietly elegant abstract works is emerging. They incorporate textures, metallic paint, beads, organic forms, lines and stories. I’m expressing my thoughts about life in all its aspects, and these new works will continue to evolve as I do. There are no boundar...

5 years of atelier study in traditional tonal realism with master artist Graham Moore in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 30+ years of professional painting and exhibiting experience.

Quest for the West at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. Annually in September.

Night of Artists at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio, Texas. Annually in March.

The Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, Wyoming. Annually in September.

American Miniatures at Settlers West Galleries, Tucson, Arizona. Annually in February.

Plus other gallery and museum exhibitions throughout the year.