Art That Reveals The Raw Unguarded Moment
Impressionistic illustrations of flowers, nature and the human spirit
How I Approach My Art:
I Fall In-love Before I Even Paint
It starts with a hunt.
I go out looking for something magical — camera in hand, practically glued to my eye — my husband says, because I get really into searching for the reference that stops me completely. I take hundreds of photos hoping to capture that one moment that has it. That visceral gut feeling. The "wow" that makes my brain say — I have to paint this.
When I find it I fall in love. I can't stop staring at it. I am pulled in, in awe. It could be the composition, the color, the language of the flower itself, the shapes, the lighting — or all of it at once.
If it doesn't have that magic, I won't even consider it — because then, I am not interested.
That's where every painting or drawing begins. Not at the easel. Not with the brush. But with my imagination and that moment of recognition — when something reveals itself completely and I can't look away. I am so drawn in, I can stare for hours.
Once I find it, the subject itself tells me what medium to use. I don't decide — it does, I couldn't. I plan carefully, grid it out, do a watercolor study to solve color and anticipate any challenges. I tone every canvas a warm yellow or complementary color. I build in layers — loose at first, tightening with each pass, pushing color further than most would dare.
My work is extremely vibrant. Always. I push color naturally, without overthinking it. Texture runs through everything — my years of drawing before I ever picked up a brush live in every mark I make. There is a part of me that is mark making in an abstract way, guided by my intuition and what I like to think is the universe working through me, guiding me.
I call my style impressionistic illustrations. Part impressionist, part illustrator, all raw feelings.
And if I hit an unexpected challenge — I bring it into Procreate, test my options, then go back in.
Every painting is a problem I fall in love with before I solve it.
FLORALS, PORTRAITS, AND LANDSCAPES
IN AN IMPRESSIONISTIC ILLUSTRATIVE STYLE
Original art created in soft pastel, watercolor, oil, acrylic, colored pencil, and gouache — based on Long Island, New York.
“Melissa Tobia is a versatile and talented artist who excels in every medium of her choice. Her technical prowess and her observation to detail are equal to her imaginative use of color and expression. She is a careful observer with an innovative approach. Her portraits and florals capture the very essence and personality of her subjects.”
-- Renée Phillips, Director of Manhattan Arts International and author
Available FIne Art Prints
What People Are Saying
Available Original Fine Art
How they found out that nickname — I don't know.
I paint what I can’t say. Art is my language.
I have been painting and drawing since I could hold a pencil. Art has never been something I chose — it chose me — and I am madly in love with it.
I paint flowers the way I see people. Every piece has a story. Most of them are about feeling seen.
I’m Melissa-Some Call Me Missy Jo
DESCRIPTION
Some days you need a reminder that you're without a doubt, stronger than you feel. Not a slogan on a mug or an AI-created photograph — something you can actually look at, and feel deeply, that encouragingly says keep going every time you pass it.
That's what this is. I painted her closed on purpose. Not blooming, not confident, not finished — because that's the moment that called to me, when I felt closed up and afraid to open up and be seen.
I wasn't painting just a pretty lotus bud amongst leaves — I was painting my feelings at the time, using a lotus bud instead of my own words, because some things are easier to say in color than out loud.
The lotus is one of the oldest symbols of awakening: it grows up through mud and dark water, and long before it ever opens, it's just a bud, hidden in green and shadow, waiting. The leaves curl around her like they're protecting her — they even have veins, same as we do.
You don't have to bloom today. You just have to stay rooted, and keep growing toward the light, working on your confidence and courage one day at a time. That's what she's doing right now, in this painting — not performing courage, just gathering it.
Even closed, unsure, mid-bud — you are already worth looking at. The courage and strength will come, in its own time, the same way it did for me. Every pastel mark on this paper came from my own hand. I know what it feels like to need this reminder, because I needed it myself when I made it.
PERFECT FOR
Meditation room decor • Yoga studio wall art • Spa-inspired interiors • Botanical and nature art collections • A gift for someone who needs to hear this
MADE TO ORDER
Archival fine art giclée print of an original soft pastel painting, printed on 200gsm archival matte paper with a subtle watercolor texture. Each print includes a clean white border, sized to fit standard frames — no mat required.
Please note: each monitor show colors differently, so colors may appear slightly different in print.
SHIPPING
Please allow 1–2 weeks for production before shipping. Sold unframed. Colors may appear slightly different than on-screen due to monitor variation.
RETURNS & EXCHANGES
I except returns and exchanges for 30 days on originals and prints if you are not satisfied. Buyer incurs the cost of shipping in case of returns and exchanges. If your print arrives damaged or incorrect, contact me within 7 days with photos and I’ll replace it at no cost.
SIZES AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE IN TWO SIZES
Paper sizes: 8"x10", 11"x14"
Approximate image and border sizes:
• 8"x10"— 7"x9" image, ½" white border on all sides
• 11"x14" — 10"x13" image, ½" white border on all sides
Looking for a different size? Other custom sizes are available upon request, including no-border/full-bleed versions — just send me a message.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
This print is sold UNFRAMED.
Please note: each monitor show colors differently, so colors may appear slightly different in print.
Artist retains all COPYRIGHT. COPYRIGHT does NOT transfer with sale of piece.
Commissions are always welcome! Check out my website at www.melissatobiaart.com/commissions-01