Penney Mellen   |   Painting and Pastels

Artist Statement
My paintings begin as quiet observations--moments of color, gesture and imagined presence that invite reflection rather than explanation.
I am drawn to the spaces where abstraction and story gently meet, where a figure, a tree, or a small traveler might suggest a narrative without insisting on one.

Working with acrylic, watercolor and collage, I build layered surfaces that remain soft, intuitive and open. I often use unconventional tools and marks, allowing chance and intuition to guide the composition. This element of surprise is central to my process; it keeps the work alive and returns me to the easel again and again.

Some paintings remain calm and contemplative, offering stillness and companionship, for thoughtful spaces. Others lean toward whimsy or quiet provocation, hinting at conversations, journeys, or relationships unfolding just beyond the visible. I hope my work invites viewers to pause, to imagine, to remember, and to find their own stories held gently within the painting.

Biography
Born and raised in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, I am an artist creating small-scale media and painted works inspired by memories, felt experiences, everyday life, and the personal stories attached​ to them. I am drawn to fashioning pieces tha​t invite a pause; paintings, journals and paper works that feel personal, relatable and familiar. 

My background in communication therapy continues to inform my creative process, shaping a practice centered on observation, listening and meaningful human connection.

Contact information for Penney Mellen
Email: [email protected]    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penneymellen