Melissa Mastrangelo

Lantana artist originally from Upstate NY, but have found my true home here in South Florida. I graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a Bachelors in Fine Arts, and have been drawing and painting since childhood. My work has been displayed at multiple local galleries and cafes and have done mural work at local breweries, restaurants, and residential homes. I teach local, acrylic painting classes as well.

My love and passion for nature, especially the sea, is heavily reflected in my work. Most paintings depict colorful sea creatures, waves, and tropical landscapes. I am an avid scuba diver and paddleboarder, which further adds inspiration from the natural beauty all around here. I use a more stylistic approach to painting, working off of multiple photographs often at a time but adding my own personal touch with shading and vibrant coloring. I work with acrylics mainly, but also have a series with ink pens and watercolors, it’s a tedious 3 step process that I use for shirt and sticker designs.

Up-cycled objects are my favorite to paint on, because I love bringing new life to an object someone no longer uses or enjoys. I’ve painted on surfboards, guitars/ ukueles, vinyl, porthole mirrors, and skate decks. I try my best not to limit myself and constantly developing as an artist.