Melanie Biehle creates abstract paintings that are atmospheric expressions of place. Rather than focusing on specific locations, her work blends energy, memories, nature, architecture, and topographical aerial perspectives to evoke the spirit of discovery and connection that travel brings.

The artist grew up in rural Louisiana and has lived on the West Coast for much of her adult life. She currently works in her Seattle studio and lives just outside the city with her husband, son, and pets.

Melanie received a Master’s degree in psychology and later studied abstract painting and composition at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. She became a painter in her 40s, after becoming a writer, mother, and interior and lifestyle photographer. Before that, she lived and worked in Los Angeles as a film marketer and optioned her romantic comedy screenplay. Her primary goal is to make art that feels the way that she does when she travels — spacious, curious, relaxed, and inspired.

“I’ve embraced creating paintings in two distinct styles: one soft and fluid, the other with hard edges. For a time I resisted this contrast, but I’ve come to see it as a reflection of life and travel — the free and the structured, the spontaneous and the planned.”