Melanie Fain at Pitzer's Fine Arts

“I have always been drawn to nature – it is my livelihood, my recreation, my comfort, my home. It is who I am and what I know best.” ~ Melanie Fain
Melanie Fain’s passion for nature is clearly reflected in her subtle, yet powerful works of art. For over 25 years, Melanie has brought the beauty and drama of nature to her collectors offering them an intimate view of the natural world. With emphasis on birds, botanicals and insects, Melanie translates her sensitive perceptions into elegant watercolors and hand-colored etchings, which find broad appeal among naturalists and sportsmen alike.

Using a ‘less is more’ philosophy, Melanie strives to capture attitude, personality, and movement of her subject through the interplay of positive and negative space, color, and composition. Melanie enjoys the process of Intaglio printmaking as it emphasizes the incredible detail she can attain in her etchings, which are often finished with watercolor. Painting in watercolor and gouache allows her to explore and express her love of the natural world.

"I have always enjoyed the natural world and activities involved with nature. I grew up hunting, fishing, and watching birds and wildlife. I spent many summers at my great grandparents ranch in West Texas and have continued to explore wildlife refuges and natural areas across the country. My art mirrors what I hold so dear in my heart.”

Melanie’s etchings and watercolors have been exhibited in national and international juried shows across the United States, and featured in numerous solo shows. Exhibitions include “Birds in Art” in Wausau, Wisconsin; “American Art in Miniature” in Tulsa, Oklahoma; “Art of the Animal Kingdom” in Bennington, Vermont; “Artists for Conservation”; and “The Society of Animal Artists”. Melanie’s art has garnered many awards including Award of Excellence, Natureworks, Tulsa, OK (2004); Award of Excellence, Society of Animal Artists (2007); and Merit Award Winner, Society of Animal Artist’s Small Works-Big Impressions (2008). Melanie is a signature member of Artists for Conservation and Society of Animal Artists.

Melanie’s work has been featured in numerous publications including: Southwest Art, Wildlife Art, The Hunting Retriever, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and Sporting Classics. Melanie’s work has been published in two books, Icons of Loss and Grace by Susan Hanson, and, Is This Forever, or What: Poems and Paintings of Texas by Naomi Shihab Nye.