Photo by Brittne Lunniss
MELANIE BIEHLE CREATES ATMOSPHERIC ABSTRACT PAINTINGS INSPIRED BY TRAVEL AND PLACE.
The artist grew up in rural Louisiana and has lived on the west coast for most of her adult life. She currently works in her Seattle studio and lives just outside of the city with her husband, son, and pets.
Melanie became a painter in her 40s, after becoming a writer, a mother, and an interior and lifestyle photographer. Before that, she lived and worked in Los Angeles as a film marketer and optioned her romantic comedy screenplay.
The artist received a Master’s degree in psychology and later studied abstract painting and composition at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. Melanie lists artists Richard Diebenkorn, Lee Krasner, and Joan Mitchell as major inspirations.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
I want my art to feel like I do when I’m on vacation: spacious, curious, relaxed, and inspired.
I create abstract paintings that are atmospheric expressions of place. Rather than focusing on specific locations, my work blends energy, memories, nature, architecture, and topographical aerial perspectives to evoke the spirit of discovery and connection that travel brings.
Using oil and acrylic, I explore textures and layers to capture sensations like walking barefoot on the sand or discovering a rock that invites closer study. I often use natural materials like broken seashells or rugged stones to scratch and shape my work, grounding my process in the environments that inspire me.
I’ve embraced creating 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.
The ocean is where I feel most at peace, calm, and connected. Living near Puget Sound, I draw from its textures, rhythms, and the sense of space it provides. I also revisit Southern California in my work, a place I once called home, where the desert tones, mid-century architecture, and coastal beauty continue to shape my vision of “California.”
EXHIBITIONS + PROJECTS
CURRENT
October – December 31, 2024 | Featured Artist, Sorelle Gallery, Westport, CT
PREVIOUS
August 5 – September 30, 2024 | Featured Artist West Seattle Art Walk, Capers, Seattle, WA
June 2024 | The Monochromatic Collection with Casa di LaValle
December 14, 2023 | West Seattle Art Walk The Building, Seattle, WA
October 2023 | Featured Artist Casa di LaValle, Seattle, WA
August – September 2023 | Featured Artist Seattle Downtown Art Walk, Hotel Monaco, Seattle, WA
April 2023 | Abstract Expressionism Group Show The Art Spirit Gallery, Coeur d’Alene, ID
September – October, 2022 | Featured Artist Casa di LaValle, Seattle, WA
November – December 2020 | Featured Artist Casa di LaValle, Seattle, WA
March – September 2020 | Featured Artist Atelier Drome, Seattle, WA
January – July 2020 | Metamorphosis: Half-Century, solo show CURA, Seattle, WA
July – October 2019 | group show Phyllis Lamphere Gallery, Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, WA
February – July 2019 | Gray Sky Gallery Member Artist, Seattle, WA
May 3, 2018 | What Lies Beneath solo show Jackson St. Studio, Seattle, WA
April 28-29, 2018 | Bemis Arts Spring 2018 juried group show, Seattle, WA
November 2017 | Rain City, video art installation in collaboration with Digital Kitchen and Urban Renaissance Group for Second & Seneca building lobby, Seattle, WA
November 2017 | View From the Top – Aerial Views of Imaginary Landscapes, solo show at Cherry Street Public House, Seattle, WA
September 2017 | Endless Summer solo show, Portage Bay Goods, Seattle, WA
July 1-15, 2017 | Fireworks, video art installation in collaboration with Digital Kitchen and Urban Renaissance Group for Second & Seneca building lobby, Seattle, WA
March – September 2017 | Creating Your Own Path Artist Residency
October 13, 2016 | Love Circus – An Art Show Experience, featured artist, Seattle, WA
June – August 2016 | Abstract Cityscapes, solo show, Click!, Seattle, WA
June 2016 | Group Invitational Show at BallardWorks, Seattle, WA
December 2015 | Gage Academy of Art Small Works, group show, Seattle, WA
April 2014 | Mood Boards: Exploring Color and Emotion, solo show, Velouria, Seattle, WA
Four Hands Furniture
Digital Kitchen
PARTNERSHIPS/COMMISSIONS
Seattle Art Source
Four Hands Furniture
LOOK Walls + Interiors
Kami Gray Interiors
Grand Image
Indiewalls
Kevin Barry Art Advisory
Blueground Worldwide Apartments
Civic Hotel Seattle
Digital Kitchen
Paper Epiphanies
SELECT RETAIL
Anthropologie
Burke Decor
Casa di LaValle
High Fashion Home
Perigold
Scout & Nimble
Shoppe Amber Interiors
Wayfair
West Elm
Williams Sonoma
CLIENT REVIEWS
I have been a longtime follower of Melanie on Instagram. When she posted an image of one of her latest original works at the time, I reached out to her and made arrangements to purchase the painting. Her paintings are gorgeous, and this piece just called to me. She shipped it all the way across the country to me in Florida, and it arrived in perfect condition as it had been packed with great care. The painting hangs in a prominent spot in my living room and it remains one of my favorite purchases for my home.