Melissa Vater began painting and drawing at a young age while watching her mother paint with oils. She had her own supplies and worked sprawled on the floor next to her mother's easel. It was a fun activity that they did

together.  After her children were grown, she returned to her childhood love of art, but with watercolor, gouache, and acrylics. While her mother was in an assisted living home with dementia, she started painting regularly in order to give art to her mother with hand-written notes on the back. Eventually, she started taking commissions and expanding her subject matter. Melissa enjoys painting the beauty that is found in nature, animals, and people. To see more of Melissa’s work, go to etsy.com/shop/kingdomartandhome.

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