It may only be Friday, and we know there are a final few days left in April, but here in Kentucky, it's Derby Week We are racing to the end of the week - the first Saturday in May can't come soon enough, but we couldn't let this week pass before announcing another fabulous artist joining the Well + Wonder team. Drumroll please...Welcome, Melina Thompson! Melina is an artist born and raised in Germany, currently living in Dallas with her husband and 3 little kids. When she’s not busy chasing after them, enjoying family time, or working as a full-time Creative Director, you will find her painting bold abstract florals and tablescapes. Growing up as the daughter of a graphic designer, her love for art & design started at a very young age, and she sold her first watercolor paintings at the age of 12. Despite being inspired to follow a career in art, life took her another route, and she chose business school over art school. After meeting her husband during college, she left the paintbrush behind, moved to another country, and started a family. A few twists and turns and 15 years later she's painting again, following her passion.Now y'all may have seen a few of Melina's fab florals hanging during our group show FLORAL last week, but her grand debut (wait until y'all lay eyes on her tablescapes!!!) is on Monday! And it wouldn't be an official Well + Wonder artist launch without a Pardon Me, and this one is especially good! Get to know Melina by reading her answers to our rapid-fire Q&A and set your alarms for Thursday at 12 p.m. Eastern when her debut collection will land on our gallery walls! Until then, welcome, Melina!
What is currently on your nightstand?
It's a mess: hair ties, a lamp, a book & a bible, a family photo, a water glass, and tissues
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
My art is mostly influenced by nature and, even more, interior design: Fabric patterns, paint colors, architectural details, wood patina and texture, antiques - those are all things that inspire me and spark new ideas. If I have to pick a person, I’d say Henry Matisse. I love his big, bold shapes, fluid and energetic brush strokes, and playful mix of colors and while I am obsessed with his paper cuts, my favorite painting of his is ‘Open Window’, I could get lost in it!
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
I grew up in the 90s in Germany, the best decade if you ask me, and my childhood was a typical 90s childhood: riding bikes and roaming the neighborhood until it got dark, endless landline phone calls with my best friends, sleepovers, and coffee and cake at my grandmas house on Sunday (very German). Some of the most memorable moments were actually times when I was super bored - it always sparked the best ideas, crafts, and games and I vividly remember so many occasions where boredom inspired hours or entertainment! That is why I am a firm believer that being bored is actually really awesome, something I am trying to teach my kids every day.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Paint - I can find something to paint on, but without paint, I would be lost.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
The kitchen. Although it is the room in the house with the longest list of undone home projects, it truly is the center of our home and family. We have a big kitchen island where our kids gather for snacks, crafts, or homework and if I am not in my office or studio, you will most likely find me in the kitchen!
What is your biggest score online?
That would probably be something off of Facebook Marketplace! I am a big thrifter and antique lover so I score amazing finds on there ALL the time.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those who are new to buying original art?
Purchasing art through a gallery or collective takes a lot of the work and pressure of your shoulders and makes the process less intimidating. A collective serves as a trustworthy place that gives you a curated selection of quality art to choose from and connects you with new artists to follow.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
That is a hard one but I would say the Georgia O’Keeffe House Museum in New Mexico. It is SO inspiring to visit homes/studios of famous artists that I admire and I could truly hang out there all day!
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
There is this tiny family-run hotel in the Bavarian forest that we used to stay at every summer growing up. SO many childhood memories were made there, and it is such a special place for me.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Clear! I do not like to wear lipstick.
I can never get on a plane without….
My back support pillow, book, and snacks.
How did you get into the world of art?
I have been painting my whole life and sold my first works at the age of around 12, so it’s really hard to say, but I did take a decade-long break from art and got back into it during my maternity leave with my third child. I just felt drawn to it again.
What do you do to relax?
I wish I could say take a relaxing bath or something romantic like that but the best way for me to relax is to clean and organize! Painting is also a was to calm my brain.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
Probably when I’m resting and my mind is calm - which doesn’t happen too often with 3 little kids! Flipping through architecture or interior design books also leaves me very inspired.
Prediction for the Color of 2027?
light green!
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
Dinner and movie, 100% - I am NOT a dancer!
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
It is hard to pick a favorite painting, almost like picking a favorite child, but my favorite pieces to paint are larger-sized tablescapes for sure.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
If you love it, buy it. Don’t worry too much about color coordinating or having the right space. You will most likely find a space for it, you will be surprised. Buying what you love will bring you so much joy down the road and will make your home YOUR home, and make it feel collected and authentic!
