CASP—Resident Artist 2021
I had a productive summer painting as a resident artist of the Cubberley Artist Studio Program (CASP) in Palo Alto, California.
From July 2021 through October 2021, I had a dedicated studio space. It was large enough for me to roll out my large canvases, 18 feet by 10 feet, and still have room to spare.
I worked on a quite a few series of paintings and large-scale paintings. Below are some of the paintings and links to additional videos and photos.
Hope Series
This Hope series is inspired by the sense of renewal and the belief that what lies ahead will turn out for the best. When I visualize hope, it’s translucent, almost like air.
I believe, I trust.
I breathe in the levity.
And I move forward.
— Haiku by Melissa Mahoney, 2021
Rise | 60″ x 36″ 1.375″ | acrylic on canvas
Awakening — 18-feet by 10-feet
To create, this painting I wanted to use an extra large paintbrush, so I commissioned a brush maker to make a 48” tall brush. The scale of the brush worked great.
The painting is titled Awakening. It captures how I felt at the moment. As some of the quarantine and shelter restrictions were lifting, I had a renewed appreciation for the freedom that comes with moving around more easily and interacting more closely with people. Awakening speaks to renewal, revival, and awareness.
Awakening | 18-feet by 10-feet | acrylic on canvas
Pacific Inspired — Resilience — 18-feet by 10-feet
I’m working on my second Pacific Ocean-inspired series. I keep being drawn back to the ocean as a source of inspiration . . . and replenishment.
The inspiration comes from both the moment and the memory of being close to the sea. From the Marin Headlands to San Francisco, to Pacifica, to Pescadero, to Santa Cruz, and to Big Sur.
I painted each circle individually, creating an arch. They are separately together.
