Melissa Franklin Sanchez

Melissa Franklin Sanchez was born in 1984, in Warwickshire, England. In 2002 she graduated from her humanistic studies: Art, Music, English Literature, Performing Arts and Ballet. In 2003 she completed an intensive art foundation course at the Slade School of Art, London. She then enrolled at the Florence Academy of art, a school dedicated to the study of realistic and figurative art. She graduated with the three-year diploma in painting and was offers a 4th year of specialization. Today, Melissa is the director of the ‘6 week intensive workshop, Drawing, painting and Art History’ for the Florence Academy of Art and has been since  since 2012.  Her work is represented in both Europe and the USA, by Scriba, InPARADISO Gallery, Venice, Italy, Grenning Gallery, Sag Harbor, NY, and Jack Meier Gallery, Houston, Texas and Le Passage, Alderney Channel Islands.  Her work can be found in private and public collections through Europe and the USA, including the prestigious Accademia  della Crusca, Florence.  

Light, time, emotion, are always inspirational to me, whether painting the ever changing landscape or a quiet interior. Searching for the essence of my subject that goes beyond  it’s visual reality. Working directly from nature and from memory  I am always trying to capture  my experience  or relationship with my subject.  I am fascinated with working on copper and other metal surfaces that  give  a beautiful warmth and luminosity. With their endless possibilities I am always rediscovering and pushing myself technically. My family life and travels,  continue to be inspiration from my  work.

* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 15^th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.