Meet Melissa Payne Baker of Art For Every Palette in Smyrna

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Payne Baker.

Melissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am an abstract artist. Twenty years ago my best friend, Michelle, and I would get together to paint, it was our “art night”. We added many friends along the way and today we have over 30 friends who join in. Michelle was my biggest fan, she encouraged me to sell my work but I just did not know how to get started. It was a year after Michelle was killed in a car accident that I received an opportunity to donate a piece of my work to an Atlanta art auction. The painting was of an abstract angel. A bidding war broke out that evening and my first commission was received the next day. That was the beginning of my fabulous career as an abstract artist. Ten years later it is still going strong with a line of hand painted glassware and several collaborations with other artists.

Melissa Payne Baker is best known for her abstract paintings that convey emotions or feelings that touch the viewer. From traditional interiors to contemporary, her abstract artwork creates the perfect punch to any decor. The heart and soul of her work is derived from everyday life and experiences. Melissa spends her days chasing her dreams as well as her young son, both keeping her creativity in full bloom. This Southern artist found her passion for art early in life, learning from generations of artisans.

With a degree in Marketing from the University of Mississippi and over two decades in interior design, she pours her experience into each abstract piece she creates. Melissa’s unique texturing techniques and use of color are what attracts clients from collectors to designers across the country. Her work has been published in national publications from Traditional Homes to Cottage Journal, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Nashville Arts. Her work has been featured in designer show houses from Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis to Dallas.

Melissa has been creating her original abstract paintings on canvas for over a decade and recently released a line of hand painted glassware. Her glassware has been highlighted at the Atlanta Neiman Marcus Holiday Pop-Up Shop and at Spotlight on Art in Atlanta.

Like many true artists, Melissa views her work as an extension of herself. Her new collections can be found in fine art galleries across the Southeast. Melissa lives and creates in Atlanta with her husband Rick, their son Payne and their cat Gesso.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
An art career is not always a smooth road. “Artist block”, as I call it, hits quite a bit.

With the marketing and business side it is hard to get in the studio some days. Life with a five-year-old makes for long nights in the studio and a lot of creative time lost during the day. The artist life looks quite glamorous to some but it can be a messy job, in and out of the studio. Painting, juggling galleries, art shows and constant marketing on social media is difficult to handle as a one woman show.

Art For Every Palette – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an abstract artist, I paint on canvas and have a line of hand painted glassware. I am proud that for ten years I have built a wonderful fan base and have very supportive clients. I am proud of all of my gallery representation and quality art shows that I have worked hard to get in to. I am most proud of the money I have raised through my art for organizations around the country, from Arizona, Texas, Florida and Tennessee.

Here in Atlanta I work with several schools and organizations to raise money. Through JDRF, I have raised over $30,000 just through my art.

What sets my work apart is that I put my heart and soul into each piece, my career in interior design helps me create work that compliments every decor. I am known for my unique style that I create with brushes and palette knives.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
At the JDRF gala I have helped raise over $30,000 for the organization. I have been named Atlanta’s Best Artist and have received some “pinch me” features in magazines around the country.

Pricing:

• hand painted items from $24 – $10,000

Contact Info:

• Address: 3076 Old Cabin Lane,
  Smyrna, Georgia 30080
• Website: www.melissapaynebaker.com
• Phone: 4042773636
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissapaynebakerart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissapaynebakerart/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissapaynebak

Image Credit:
Huff Harrington Fine Art
Swatchpop

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.