Melissa Ayr, born in New York, is an abstract painter that paints with energy, emotion and color and she refuses to conform to standard art rules. She incorporates high energy, fluidity, growth and life. She changes her environment and uses the materials around her to create her art in the moment. From oils, to acrylics, to inks, to chalks, to watercolors, each painting is original and inspired by the energy of the moment and each piece has a story. Melissa's art is mostly created using her fingers, hands, breasts, and her body. She will occasionally use brushes but prefers to push the edge of painting by using her body and an endless variation of objects and materials. Melissa continues to push the boundaries of abstract art just as those who influenced her. Melissa is inspired by the lives and art of Picasso, Pollock, Kandinsky, Frankenthaler, Chagall, Da Vinci, Monet, & Degas. Melissa has worked with some brilliant creative minds in the art world. While living in Lake Tahoe she did plein air paintings with David DA Russo a student of Pablo Picasso. Picasso taught David to create and create and create. Melissa learned that the number one rule in being an artist is to always create art.
Melissa has been painting her whole life. From the early age of 3 she began painting under the watchful eye of her creative family. Melissa's Mother had a keen sense for fashion and design and was accepted into the New York School of Design. Her Mother's plans to become a designer turned to motherhood at the early age of 17. Melissa's Grandfather was also an artist and she feels lucky to have the support and encouragement of her family from early on. She knew at a very young age that she was going make art a lifetime endeavor. “Ever since I was a child, my dream was to become a renowned artist; it's the dream that drives me.”
At a young age Melissa had a near death experience. Melissa was hit by a car while crossing the street in San Francisco and was in a coma for a week. While in her coma Melissa was personally asked by God if she wanted to live or if she wanted to die. Melissa chose to live! This life altering experience provides an overflowing source of creativity to Melissa’s art.
Melissa states “I am here to create art. I am here to touch others with art. I am thankful to be alive and I paint with passion. The energy that flows throughout my body is put into my body of artwork. I am always striving to capture the feeling, depth and flow of the moment. My desire is for a person to relax and let their mind wander and refresh as they look at the artwork. Life is precious. Let your imagination run wild. “
Melissa’s art has been sought after for private collections and has a client base in France, UK, Sweden, Australia, China and the United States. Melissa has recently exhibited as the sole American artist featured at The Wild Foundation 2009 World Congress in Yucatan, Mexico. This event held esteemed representation by Dr. Jane Goodall and the President of Mexico. Melissa has also been invited to be the sole artist at the NFL All-Star Celebrity Super bowl Bash in Florida which is raising funds to build a new hospital in Haiti.
To Melissa Ayr, art represents much more than just painting on canvas. Art is a lifestyle — an experience that transcends the everyday and raises expectations. Ayr art represents quality, and luxury the world over. Knowing this, Melissa's commitment to excellence in quality, color and composition has made a natural pursuit of advancing the areas of abstraction, self expression, pure creativity and of course, expanding the art of painting. From the custom made and hand stretched canvas to the finest paints and mediums that allow the art to endure the test of time.
Melissa invites you to learn more about her passion, her unique style, and her dedication to her clients.
