April 4th 2008 Mel Williams: "I paint what makes me happy" "For as long as I can remember, painting has made me happy," says Magnetic Island Artist, Mel Williams. And, if her range of vibrant, sunny images are any measure, they will be sure to bring out the happiness in others. I've always enjoyed painting as a hobby but it's only in recent years that, inspired by the World Heritage Magnetic Island landscape, I've been able to make my art a more dedicated pursuit." (Right) Three wise Curlews Arcylic on canvas 40 x 30cm For sale Sam by the sea acrylic on canvas 3 x (30 x 23cms) Sold Boy at the beach Acrylic on canvas 41 x 51cms Sold Day at the beach Acrylic on canvas 3 x (25 x 25cms) Sold Mel Williams has lived on Magnetic Island since 2000 when she moved here from the Sunshine Coast. Mel has exhibited with the Magnetic Island Artist's Co-operative but these days her work is mostly displayed at "Barefoot Art, Food and Wine" in Horseshoe Bay. Happy seagulls Acrylic on canvas 3 x (25 x 25cms) For sale The stunning natural forms of Magnetic are a direct inspiration but Mel also acknowledges the influence of Magnetic Island's ever-growing creative community. Mel Williams Sparkling Arthur Bay Acrylic on canvas 21 x 26cms For sale Alma Bay Acrylic on canvas 35 x 45cms Sold Arthur Bay Acrylic on canvas 35 x 45cms Sold Balding Bay Acrylic on canvas 40 x 30cm Sold Alma Bay with sea eagle Acrylic on canvas 40 x 122cm Alma Bay with sea Eagle 1 Acrylic on canvas 21 x 26cm Alma with Sea Eagle 2 acrylic on canvas 21 x 26cm Alma with Sea Eagle 3 acrylic on canvas 21 x 26cm Iconic Magnetic Island images usually take centre stage in William's work. These include the Island's most distinctive and innately amusing bird: the bush Stone curlew, hilarious cartoon-like seagulls and other entertaining creatures such as the ever-smiling green tree frog. Intensely brilliant kapok flowers, which adorn the Island's roughest terrain through late winter and the distinctive, granite and hoop-pine fringed, bays and headlands are also feature strongly. Curlews: Gang of 5 Acrylic on canvas 30 x 40cm For sale Frangipanis Acrylic on canvas 3 x (92 x 46cm) Kapok 11 Acrylic on canvas 30 x 30cms Sold Kapok 12 Acrylic on canvas 30 x 30cms Sold Kapok 16 Acrylic on canvas 30 x 30cms Sold Kapok 18 Acrylic on canvas 30 x 30cms Sold Vivid colour and the intense natural light of the Great Barrier Reef tropics permeate her work. These elements, and an intuitive understanding of when detail is called for, characterise William's work. Big grin Acrylic on canvas 70 x 60cms Sold Finger paint frog Acrylic on canvas 70 x 60cms Sold Frog Kiss Acrylic on canvas 18 x 18cms Sold Emperor Acrylic on canvas 21 x 26cm Tuskfish Acrylic on canvas 21 x 26cm Predominantly self-taught, Mel Williams has experimented with a range of media but currently prefers, mostly, to "build images" in acrylic on canvas. "This supportive community has and continues to nurture me as I learn to stretch my wings as an artist. I'm inspired to try new things or work a bit harder on old ones." Recently Mel has experimented with printmaking and more textural components in her art but when it comes to subject matter she says, "Essentially, I paint whatever makes me happy and hope that comes through in my work." Lovers Acrylic on canvas 90 x 80cms Sold Sunset tree Acrylic on canvas 30 x 30cm For sale Painting prices range depending on size and topic, from $95 for selected 25cm x 25cms canvases, to over $900 for larger pieces (Click here) Mel is also experimenting with T-Shirt designs (Click here) that would make great birthday presents Greeting cards (with envelopes) are also available in a range of the above images. Cards retail at $4.50, however price reduces for orders of 5 cards or more. (click here for details) Canvas prints stretched over timber frames are available for selected images. Prices and availability on enquiry. Freight/postage anywhere in Australia. Enquiries about limited edition prints, greeting cards, or commissions please email: mel@melwilliams.com.au or visit her website: www.melwilliams.com.au This page was produced as a promotional outlet for Magnetic Island's artists by magnetictimes.com. If you would like to know more about presenting your artwork to the world via magnetictimes.com or want to comment on Mel's work simply use the comments box below. Editor, George Hirst

Mel Williams:

17 comments

Steven Danger Cook November 29th 2005

Mel, You Rock! Love your work! Love COOKY

Linda December 3rd 2005

Mel Love the curlews. Where are your paintings for sale?

JQ January 22nd 2006

This site is great Mel - now I can admire your wonderful work from the other side of the planet. I love the curlews! Love Jen

gibbardo January 27th 2006

Mi zinks deze vill luk egzellant in mi colleczion - strat to da luouvre

Suze February 20th 2006

Hi Georgeous woman. 8*). It

Mal H February 28th 2006

Mel you capture the essence of what I love about this beautiful place so well.You paint from the heart.Keep it up!

Melitta March 23rd 2006

Mel - you have an amazing talent! I want you to teach me some tricks! When can I come up for some lessons? Luv Melitta

lisa and craig May 9th 2006

wow mel, what great paintings, we always knew you were good... but now we think you're great! have you painted max???

Shannon Campbell May 17th 2006

Hi Mel I thought your web site was fantastic. Just wondering if you had any other paintings like the kids chasing the birds. Thanks Shannon

Jim November 2nd 2006

Hi Mel Loved checking out your work on your web site after the preview on your yacht. Even more beautiful and inspirational. Hope you and Dave are okay and on your way. I searched everywhere for a beach stone curlew, only to be disappointed. So, I have to appreciate your beautiful rendition. Take care, Jim and Patty

Erin April 27th 2007

Hi Mel, Your work is truly beautiful and inspiring! I especially love the Frangipanis acrylic on canvas. It's gorgeous! Keep up the great work! Erin

Clare e May 10th 2007

I love your art Mel. Do you sell prints? Clare

sam July 2nd 2007

hay Mel, jst telin u that u do great work i especially love the frangipanis and the cute froggys.

sophia October 17th 2007

Hi Mel,i can see something alive in ur drawing.i really like what u said-"I paint what makes me happy":)

vicoria October 17th 2007

good work!

Melissa June 15th 2009

Amazing work! I went to the Barefoot gallery a few months ago and fell in love with the art work. You are a really gifted artist and very lucky to live in the beautiful paradise that is Magnetic Island.

fran October 11th 2009

Hi Love the vibrant colours and clear images touched with soft appreciation