Mel Rea describes her abstract paintings as assemblies of line and shape intersecting in multiple sheer layers. Any reference to landscape or botanical form is deconstructed in the studio as she explores form, varied applications of paint, texture, line and color relationships. Rea began her art career as a clay artist but found her way to painting, realizing that the immediacy appealed to her. She felt a connection to the versatility of acrylics, the texture of pastels, and the intensity of gouache. Her palette is bright and bold. The elements of her composition flow gracefully, punctuated by line, color and unexpected brushwork that adds a playfulness and warmth to each piece. Mel Rea’s collection for Edgewater features works on canvas, and framed and unframed works on paper.

Mel Rea completed her BFA in Ceramics from Kent State University in 1995 where her focus was figurative sculpture. She stayed with clay for 17 years when she began to paint and to study painting at Pasadena City College and San Fernando City College in Los Angeles. The transition from clay to paint was made by Rea’s exploration of encaustic painting. The craftsmanship involved with encaustics, allowed for a smooth transition from clay sculptor to painter. The soft satin finish of the beeswax replaced her love of lush clay glazes. The depth of the encaustic medium allowed Mel to dig, scratch, and incise elegant clean lines; satisfying her affinity for a sculptural surface. She later transitioned from encaustic techniques to working with more traditional mediums. 

For more information about “I’m Just Minding My Business Picking Your Flowers” a solo exhibition of new work by Mel Rea, visit our website edgewatergallery.com, call the gallery at 802-458-0098 or email us at [email protected]

To view Mel Rea’s available work click here.