Melissa Jander is an award-winning Seattle area artist creating oil paintings full of color and emotion. She began her studies in the field of technical drawing and architecture, later adding a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language and Literature from Washington State University, a Graphic Design Certificate from the Art Institute of Seattle, and a Web Design Certificate from Bellevue College. Continuing art instruction included the Gage Academy in Seattle, Kirkland Arts Center, and private art instruction. Melissa began painting and creating as far back as she can remember, but practicality dictated another career path. After working in the business world as a graphic designer and in other professional marketing roles, she began seriously pursuing her art in 2001, working in oils and acrylics on canvas. Melissa is a member of Women Artists of the West, American Impressionist Society, Plein Aire Washington Artists, and Woodinville Arts Alliance.
Currently represented by Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes, WA and Fairweather Home & Gallery in Seaside, OR, other gallery affiliations include: Anne Irwin Fine Art in Atlanta, GA, Tsuga Fine Art in Bothell, and Parklane Gallery. Melissa was chosen by the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival as their poster artist for 2018.
A recent show at The Scott Milo Gallery was reviewed by Stephen Hunter of the Cascadia Weekly:
Currently represented by Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes, WA and Fairweather Home & Gallery in Seaside, OR, other gallery affiliations include: Anne Irwin Fine Art in Atlanta, GA, Tsuga Fine Art in Bothell, and Parklane Gallery. Melissa was chosen by the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival as their poster artist for 2018.
A recent show at The Scott Milo Gallery was reviewed by Stephen Hunter of the Cascadia Weekly:
"...And here also are graceful, still-life pieces by Melissa Jander. They might not have been out of place in the 19th century. Or would they? On second glance, we discover subtle, cubist angles married to impressionist brushwork. Jander has found a vision which leaves her abundantly capable of freely varying her color and brushwork to make each painting appear distinct and fresh and lively —just the thing for the Skagit Valley on a gloomy day."
A reviewer for a recent show at Fairweather gallery commented:
“[The current show] will feature variety of Melissa’s beautiful still life, interior, florals, coastal and European city scenes in her unique synthesis of Post-Impressionist style art seen in the work of Van Gogh, Cezanne and Bonnard. Originating in France, the Post-Impressionist movement sought to expand the horizons of Impressionism, further exploring distortion of form and richness of color. Melissa harnesses this freedom of expression in the energetic scenes she creates."
recent awards & selections
2018 Featured Artist at Fairweather House & Gallery June, 2018
2018 Featured Artist at The Scott Milo Gallery April, 2018
2018 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Poster Artist
2017 Juror for "Woodinville Arts Alliance Popup Juried Show" and "Parklane Gallery Winter Show of Small Works"
2017 Poster Artist for three Sammamish Valley Association Celebrations
2017 Invited to "Annual Emerging Artists Show" at Anne Irwin Fine Art in Atlanta, GA
2017 Third Place in Show: "Pacific Northwest Summer" at Tsuga Fine Art in Bothell, WA for "Summer Dreams"
2017 "Braver Than You Believe" added to the Corporate Art Collection of Skagit Valley Hospital
2016 Poster Artist for three Sammamish Valley Association Celebrations
2015: Honorable Mention - Holbein Award for "All in a Day's Work," part of the juried EAFA Members' Show-Bothell, WA
2013: Honorable Mention for "Winter Trees" awarded by ArtsNow at the "Come Out of the Dark" show-Edmonds, WA
2018 Featured Artist at The Scott Milo Gallery April, 2018
2018 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Poster Artist
2017 Juror for "Woodinville Arts Alliance Popup Juried Show" and "Parklane Gallery Winter Show of Small Works"
2017 Poster Artist for three Sammamish Valley Association Celebrations
2017 Invited to "Annual Emerging Artists Show" at Anne Irwin Fine Art in Atlanta, GA
2017 Third Place in Show: "Pacific Northwest Summer" at Tsuga Fine Art in Bothell, WA for "Summer Dreams"
2017 "Braver Than You Believe" added to the Corporate Art Collection of Skagit Valley Hospital
2016 Poster Artist for three Sammamish Valley Association Celebrations
2015: Honorable Mention - Holbein Award for "All in a Day's Work," part of the juried EAFA Members' Show-Bothell, WA
2013: Honorable Mention for "Winter Trees" awarded by ArtsNow at the "Come Out of the Dark" show-Edmonds, WA