Biography
Working from her studio in Warwickshire, England, Melissa began her working life as an internationally acclaimed artist in 1979.
Believing in the Arts as a whole, alongside her painting she has always written extensively, both poetry and prose. Her first major published work was an historical novel called ‘Ellerker’, based on a 16th century ancestor. Because of her ability to illustrate she has also formulated a number of children’s books, the first published was entitled ‘The Bogglebott’. The ‘Tales of Shakespuss’ collection has been the culmination of many years of development.
Her unique writing ability, illustration skills, and her work in film and television is now formulated into Shakespuss & Co, a multi-layered vehicle to fully package and market every aspect of the Shakespuss product now on course to become a truly international success.
She is particularly articulate concerning her artwork and its place within the halls of Art history, thus creating a demand for lectures and other public speaking events.
Amongst her extensive painting commissions are those for her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Prince Nawaf and Princess Jawaher of the Saudi Arabian Royal Family, as well as other celebrities and nobility throughout the World. Some of her more interesting commissions included a series of equestrian works for Royal Doulton, and a set of celebrity portraits which was the centre-piece for the opening of the Los Angeles Art Show.
Apart from the United Kingdom her paintings can be found in many countries including the United States of America, Canada, the Middle East, Africa, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway and Australia.
She has had solo exhibitions throughout the U.K. and in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Aspen. Elected Associate of the Society of Equestrian Artists 1997, Elected to member of the Fine Art Trade Guild 1998, and Honorary Board Member of the Association of Fine Art Dealers of America in 1999. Together with Ivana Trump, she co-hosted the 1999 Spirit of Freedom Award in Aspen, during which she presented one of her paintings and a sculpture by Marton Varo to Goldie Hawn, an award for her work in Tibet.
