Welcome to Graceful Art Studio

Welcome! My name is Melissa. I've always been a creative person, dabbling in a lot of artistic hobbies. I love painting, and that's a big part of what I do. Especially realism landscapes in acrylics and watercolour art. A big part of my process is taking inspiration from nature scenes that I experience in person through enjoying the hiking/camping/beach trips etc, and capturing photos. Then I recreate my photos into paintings. I happily do the same with commissions as well, using your photos to create custom pieces of art. 

I also really value therapeutic art and the benefits it gives everyone, whether you're an artist or not. I believe that art and creativity is a fantastic tool that is accessible in so many ways, and it provides stress relief, joy, empowerment and self-reflection and expression. I facilitate therapeutic art classes and products, and will always encourage you to try out art as a way to have fun, and enjoy the process of creating versus just creating a finished product. 

My educational background includes:

• Therapeutic Arts Practitioner Certificate (CIIAT - Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy)
• including additional training in Navigating Neurodiversity
• Post-Grad Certificate in Community and Social Service Management (Mohawk College)
• Bachelor of Theology and Intercultural Studies (Emmanuel Bible College)
• and a few more! (Office Administration and Pre-Health Science from St. Lawrence College)

Be sure to join the Graceful Art Studio Instagram community! Click the link below.

https://www.instagram.com/melissa_gracefulartstudio