Sketchbook ♥

Every night I take my sketch book to bed with me...it has become a bit of a "I have to do it to sleep better" kinda thing...I sketch a few pictures and they are mostly created for paintings. I really love the free sketchy feel of all of them and for a long time I wanted to bring them to life other than through paint. So, I introduced myself to the wonderful world of digital color! wow. I'm addicted, to say the least. I scan my sketches and bring them into photoshop and color away. Without further ado, let me introduce you to Anna - she's inspired by a wonderful friend of mine from my childhood, who in recent years I have been able to reconnect with. ♥ She's a lovely girl who enjoys reading such books as Jane Eyre and I think "Anna" has that "Jane Eyre" feel to her. While I was sketching her, my friend Anna kept popping up in my head...so, I respectively gave her that beautiful name - inspired by an equally beautiful person ♥

Melissa xo

"Anna"

In the wake of a tragedy, blooms creativity. ♥

One of my most defining moments in my adult life is when I was introduced to the Japanese Culture. I attended a liberal arts college, so along with all of my art classes I had to complete many core classes, such as History, Psychology, Religion courses and so on. In my senior year one of the classes I chose was Japanese Culture. From the moment I stepped into that class, there was a calming air about the room.

My professors name was Keiko Miller. She was one of the most inspiring, driven, strong, disciplined women I have ever had the privilege of knowing. In addition to all of her strong characteristics, she embodied kindness and warmth that was almost visible around her. She taught me many things, both by wrote and by spirit. One particular lesson she taught me was during my exit interview during finals. I expressed to her quite simply that I was going to miss her and how much of a profound affect she had on me throughout the term. She simply stated...

"In Japanese Culture, we believe that whoever you meet in your life, even for a brief moment, you are forever connected in spirit."

wow, right?

In the wake of the tragedy that Japan has endured, I have revisited that philosophy over and over again in my mind. The comfort that it brings is astronomical. As an artist, I tend to view myself as a problem solver. I want to make sense of the tragedy, yet...you find no logical explanation. Then, you revisit inspiring moments in your life such as Keiko's statement and all seems okay. I find comfort in believing that, because their culture is such a strong, spiritual and disciplined one, through that, they will find peace.

Here are two pieces of my work that have been inspired by Keiko and what she has taught me.

oh, she taught me a great song in Japanese too. :) Something about a monster and how his pants fall down and he has to pull them back up....okay, that was random. haha! However, I will find the song and post it. :)

8" x 10" print - "Keiko"

8" x 10" limited edition print - "Kokeshi Sisters"

Melissa xo

Flora for my Friend! ♥

Happy Saturday Night Everyone! :) For the past couple of weeks I've been on the computer, revamping my site, starting my blog that you see here and I hadn't picked up a paintbrush for a bit and yesterday I got the "itch"...we creatives know that "itch"...where you just can't. stop. thinking. about paint, paintbrushes and the like. So, I pried myself away from my computer and created this little romantic owl ♥ - here's to spring flowers on their way!

Melissa xo

"Flora for my Friend"

Irish Owls are Smiling :)

say hello to owly o'malley...He will be available in my shop in 5" x 7" print to help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

welcome to my purple studio! ♥

I want to personally welcome everyone to my new blog! I'm super excited about releasing it, its purpose is to celebrate the creative process, inspiration, imagination and ART! I also intend to keep everyone up to date on the happenings of my company, Art Savvy Studio - www.artsavvystudio.com ♥ So, essentially it's a never ending party and celebration! whoo hoo! Who doesn't love a good party, right?

Well, at any good party it's important to introduce the host...My name is Melissa McGraw Petrusch and I'm a full time artist who creates all of my work from my purple studio in Erie Pa. ♥

♥  my purple studio ♥

It's a wonderful little creative nook and when I cross that threshold I lose myself in my creative world. That world is filled with owls with umbrellas, owls who play guitar, birdies with hats and scarves, fairy tales galore, crazy black kitties, jazzy cats, alice and her wonderland...and the list continues. It's a fun little world, where I revisit my childhood passion on a daily basis that I've always kept so close to my heart. ♥

So, let's get this party started, eh?!? :) 

Melissa xo