art – melissa mary jenkins art

“It’s a Winner!” Art Prints now available at Lemontree + Co. Interiors

Two new vintage-inspired landscape prints are now available at Lemontree + Co. Interiors.

May 27, 2021May 27, 2021 melissamaryjenkinsartLeave a comment

When I first embarked on painting digital art, my vision was to create artwork reminiscent of vintage landscapes. Truth be told, I dreamed of creating paintings that would blend seamlessly into Sophia of Lemontree + Co. Interiors’ finely curated line of vintage-modern home goods. Not only is Sophia’s design aesthetic exquisite, she has a keen eye for detail. So once I had completed “Lavenham Green,” I reached out to Sophia to hear her thoughts on this painting. Her exact response was, “It’s a winner!! I’ll buy it.”

Well, needless to say, Sophia’s response definitely inspired me to continue. I am deeply touched by her encouragement, not only because I admire her ability to achieve sophisticated simplicity, but also because she values authenticity and a natural aesthetic. In Sophia’s words, “It [nature] brings authenticity to a room and makes us feel grounded. Nature is the home of simplicity.”

“Lavenham Green” available in 8 x 10” and 11 x 14”

Sophia also helped connect me to the Toronto-based print company that I now exclusively use to print my paintings called Posterjack. Posterjack not only produces high quality prints on 308 GSM 100% cotton Hahnemuehle Photo Rag using the giclee method, but they are sustainably-minded and use water based non-toxic inks printed on FSC certified photo paper.

I am honoured to announce that two of my prints are now available to purchase in the Lemontree + Co. shop: “Lavenham Green” and “Grey Skies.”

The fulfilling part of creating and selling art is the rush that comes from people appreciating your work, but also the joy felt when the painting becomes a part of a home’s story. I can’t wait to see how these prints weave their way into your story.

“Grey Skies” available in 8 x 8” and 12 x 12”

INKPRINTS of time: A Serendipitous Collaboration

trusting the unforeseen

July 26, 2020July 27, 2020 melissamaryjenkinsartLeave a comment

Late January, a friend and I drove a few towns over to visit the lovely little village of Elora. The shop of LemonTree Interiors & Co was first on our list to visit. As we were parking, I recognized Sophia from her Instagram account. You need to understand that Sophia is a bit of a design “rock star” to me, so I was a tad nervous to introduce myself. I noticed that she was getting boxes out of her car, so I pulled up my “big girl” pants and asked if she was indeed Sophia of LemonTree Interiors and if she needed some help. Sophia gracefully embraced my fan-girl approach and welcomed us into her quaint little shop.

As we entered, I was swept away by the elegant curation of vintage, sustainable and modern decor. Naturally, I began chatting about a new stamping ink that I was working on and then Sophia got a twinkle in her eye and reached into a drawer. She pulled out gorgeous teak stamps that had been hand carved in India and said that she had been waiting for “just the right moment” to unearth the stamps.

I left the shop that day with a few decor treats for myself, a bag full of teak stamps and a sense of excitement for our serendipitous art collaboration which we would later name INKPRINTS of time.

Let me tell you a bit about my process in creating these pieces. Crafting my stamping ink from lampblack soot is a slow and intensive process, but it never fails to reward me with a rich, velvety black. I add in a few other secret ingredients to ultimately form a vegan, sustainably sourced and archival ink. When I paint the ink onto the antique stamps it creates pure “black” magic.

The paper is created by Canadian based company Papeterie Saint Armand. It is a flax/cotton canal paper fashioned from left over straw that is not composted in farm fields. This rough paper is made by mixing the beaten straw with rags. No bleach, chemicals or cooking is required. I hand-deckled the edges to create an unpolished juxtaposition with the black frame.

Inkprints of Time speaks of trusting the process. This series honors the idea that concepts can simmer until “the moment” arrives. For both Sophia and I, the moment arose with a serendipitous encounter that developed into these ink-prints that embrace time honoured traditions and pay homage to slow artisanal process.

To purchase these 14” x 14” framed pieces as either a set or as individual pieces, head over to LemonTree Interiors & Co where you will be delighted and inspired.

How to Paint with Natural Inks: Part 1

A few tips on painting with natural inks.

January 31, 2020March 16, 2020 melissamaryjenkinsart3 Comments

First of all, in my mind, there is no right or wrong way to paint with natural inks. I have developed a system that works for me, that I will share, but I also look forward to hearing how others approach painting with inks.

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Tools:
-music
-watercolour paper
-bottle caps, lids or watercolour palette
-jar of water
-rag
-spray bottle
-palette knife
-2 eye droppers (one for water and one for the ink)
-a few paint brushes (I like an angle brush for applying ink)
-rocks (to weigh the paper down)

The first thing is to “set the mood”. Not to get too “woo” on you, but choosing music that puts you into a “flow” state will help your hands work with the fluidity of the inks.
Pour a small amount of your ink (you can always add more) into a bottle cap, lid or watercolour palette. Have a bottle of water on hand and a rag to dry off your brush.
Depending on the style of art that you hope to paint, will also determine how you apply the inks. If you are creating realistic and detailed art, then adding water may not be necessary at all. I work in an abstract style that embraces the movement of liquids, so adding water is an integral part of my process.

I usually begin by spraying or dropping water in a few places on my watercolour paper and then use my palette knife or my fingers to spread the water around. I love to create magical moments by using an eye dropper to drop the ink onto the water and watch it travel into and along the water trails. I take a rather intuitive approach and use either my palette knife, paint brush or fingers to spread the ink or help the ink along on its journey with the water.

If I am trying to create a more solid or intense colour, I use an eye dropper or paint brush and directly apply the ink to the watercolour paper.

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I also like to use rocks not only for colour inspiration and as a way to “ground” my thoughts in natural objects, but also as paper weights. The more water that I add to the paper, the more that the watercolour paper will buckle. I place rocks on the paper to counteract the buckling. This way, I don’t bother with painting tape and the risk of ripping my painting. Once the painting is completely dry, I will flip over the painting, spray a bit of water on the backside, iron it flat and then quickly place it under heavy books to flatten it.

Note: If you are dipping your paint brush directly into the ink bottle, be sure to wash your brush out before dipping it into another ink. Simply dip your brush into your jar of water and then dry it on your rag. When you are finished painting, you can wash out your paint brushes with a little bit of dish soap.

Those are a few of my methods of working with natural inks. Do you have any tips for painting with natural inks?

How to Make Avocado Ink

November 24, 2018November 29, 2018 melissamaryjenkinsart3 Comments

When an artist friend showed me her avocado ink painting a year ago, my artistic life was absolutely transformed! Avocados play a major role in our home. I have avocados in my morning smoothie, my lunchtime sandwich and we have guacamole once a week for Taco Tuesday! I have an abundance of empty shells and stones (pits) so I am constantly creating new ink for my paintings. Creating avocado ink is very simple and I often create a batch as I am preparing meals or cleaning the kitchen.

Supplies:

large cooking pot
large spoon
water
avocado stones and empty shells (the more stones and shells, the stronger the colour)
fine mesh strainer
small paper samples
whole cloves
mason jar with lid

Preparation:

Scrub all the green avocado remains off the stones and shells (I find that using my finger nails works the best).

Fill your pot with all of your cleaned stones and shells and then cover with water.

Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. After about 20-40 minutes, the water will begin to change colour from clear to pink to a reddish brown. I like to stir the contents occasionally. The skins will begin to come off the stones.

Use a tiny piece of paper to test the colour and when you are satisfied, strain your ink with a fine mesh strainer. Inevitably bits of shell will make its way into your ink, but I love the texture and authenticity that it provides in my paintings.

I store my ink in mason jars in the fridge and you can also help preserve the ink by adding a clove to the sealed jar.

Each batch that you make will produce a slightly different shade of pink depending on how many stones and shells that you use. Have fun experimenting and be sure to label each batch with a colour sample and date. Try a batch with just one stone and shell, or just stones, or adding less water or simmering for different lengths of time. You can also freeze the stones and shells if you aren’t able to make the ink right away.

Have fun creating your own ink!

The Handmade Pop Up – Canadian Style

May 8, 2017May 10, 2017 melissamaryjenkinsartLeave a comment

Sam and Grace of Maker’s Movement and CYL Collective have joined forces for The Handmade Pop-Up, an online market featuring handcrafted goods from artists and artisans around the world.

Canada has been well represented and I have highlighted a few talented creatives!

Sara Clark ( @shopsarahclark )

Sara Clark is a multidisciplinary maker living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. All pieces are crafted by Sara in her home workshop or studio.

Marrying materials such as wood, natural fibers and resin, she creates unique designs for the body and the home with an emphasis on neutral colours and clean lines. Sara’s work is currently focused on creating contemporary designs influenced by simple, primitive art. A portion of all online sales are donated to local organizations committed to the safety of and empowerment of women.

http://www.shopsaraclark.com/

White River Company ( @ whiterivercompany )

White River Company is an Ontario based print shop.

From beautiful prints to decorate your walls or greeting cards for any occasion, our mission is to make beautiful pieces that elevate any home. We love simple clean imagery that supports positivity and nature, whether that’s through an original painting or captured in a simple illustration. All products are designed and printed in Canada.

https://www.whiteriverco.com/

Ayu Larasati Ceramics ( @alarasati )

(This was a collaboration piece with Charissa Rais, a graphic designer who hand-painted the plate @aceramics_ )

Ayu Larasati was born in Indonesia and moved to Toronto to earn her bachelor degree from Industrial Design program in OCAD University. She was holding her full-time job as a product designer when she found herself continually making ceramic and fell completely in love with the material. She established her ceramic studio in late 2014. She is back recently in Toronto after residing in Indonesia for two years. Making ceramics has served her as an experience where she can push a reset button, recharged and coming back to herself. She feels that there is nothing more joyful and rewarding than to see her creation being enjoyed and out in the world.

http://ayularasaticeramics.com/

Meg Does Pottery ( @megdoespottery )

Meg Does Pottery is a Winnipeg based luxury line of handbuilt and wheel thrown pottery. These items are intended to add interest or that special oooh la la to your favourite spaces.

https://www.megdoespottery.com/

The online market ends May 15th so be sure to head on over, where you can check out my “Circle” series and receive 10% off with DISCOUNT CODE HAPPYSPRING17 .

What is your spring decorating style?

April 18, 2017April 18, 2017 melissamaryjenkinsartLeave a comment

Etsy Canada and House & Home have joined forces to create a quiz to help you determine your decorating style this spring. The quiz is filled with gorgeous handmade and vintage items, all from Etsy Canada. And even better, when you complete the quiz you could win a $500 Etsy gift card. Plus, be sure to watch the video featuring three stylish looks for spring (including my “ring around the rosy” abstract painting). Contest open to residents of Canada only, excluding Quebec. Contest closes June 6, 2017.

1000 followers on Instagram Art Giveaway!

February 25, 2017February 26, 2017 melissamaryjenkinsartLeave a comment

So big news in my world…I reached 1000 followers on my Instagram account! I know to many of you, that seems so minimal (but hey, I am on a bit of a minimal art kick right now, so it works for me) but the IG community has been so powerful for me. Why, you ask? Well here is a bit about me that might give you a few clues:

I have struggled with Lyme Disease and a few nasty co-infections for about 3 years, and before that a minor bout with non-invasive breast cancer. This has caused lots of havoc in my body and my mental health, so most days I really don’t like to leave my house. I have a few really good friends in the “real world” who I try and make an effort to visit and laugh with as energy allows, but the IG community has also been an integral part of my life in the last year or so. It has been a daily boost to my creative spirit, an immense support as I strive to sell my art and an encouragement to see that others can “push through” their challenges with kindness and grace.

So head on over to my Instagram account @melissamaryjenkinsart and follow the Giveaway Guidelines where you can win this “stripy” painting and one for a friend!

Gratitude

November 19, 2015November 19, 2015 melissamaryjenkinsartLeave a comment

Today was a day like many others. After a few hours of painting, I was forced to stop due to pain and fatigue caused by Lyme’s Disease and a co-infection called Bartonella. But today I choose to reflect on how blessed I am to be completely passionate about being creative. In fact, a year ago my brain was in such a fog some days that it could hardly process just getting through the day, let alone an art project. If I didn’t have such a burning drive to create, then I am not sure what mental state I would be in. I am reluctant to leave my house as it has been embedded into my psyche that going out and interacting with humans will tire me out and cause pain.

But I actually love being home and listening to podcasts and talk shows and learning about the world around me. I am so grateful for social media because I can interact with other creatives, be inspired and sell my paintings and wall hangings without having to leave my home. I consider it a miracle that I still feel charged every morning to go into my studio and paint. I feel blessed that despite the tremor in my hands, I can still hold a paint brush. I feel gratitude that my brain is able to create goals and think about the “big ideas” in life. I feel such freedom to spend a few hours a day doing exactly what I have always dreamed of doing.

A year ago, my life was very different. I was like the walking dead. I had just enough energy to make meals, spend time with my children and lie in bed. I am so looking forward to a pain free life and a life where I don’t dread a day of being out and just doing simple errands. I look forward to being able to do something as simple as writing a blog post in the evening without such intense pain that forces me to end this post. But until that day, today was good day because I chose gratitude.