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
Archival fine art print of an original soft pastel by Melissa Tobia.
The lotus is one of the most ancient symbols of awakening — it grows from the mud and rises through dark water. But long before it blooms, it's a closed bud, surrounded by green and shadow and stillness.
I didn't choose to paint it closed; that's the photo that called to me, in my language of emotions.
She displays intense shades of green. A flower coming up for air after hiding for so long — she surfaces, but is still unsure she can show her true self. Closed off, afraid of being seen. The leaves around her are sheltering her; they have veins, just like us. She feels like an ugly duckling, but she's a swan and doesn't even know it yet.
Sometimes, it is easier to be invisible, but it has a price: it becomes a way of life. The need to hide from others — is self-preservation. But when you're ready, take the risk and give people a chance. Here's what she doesn't know yet, and maybe you don't either: you're the swan. When you open, no one will be able to take their eyes off you.
MADE TO ORDER
Printed on 200gsm archival fine art matte paper (with a subtle watercolor texture) border sizes vary slightly depending on the paper size.
SHIPPING
Made to order (print-on-demand). Please allow 1–2 weeks for production before shipping. Thank you for your patience.
RETURNS & EXCHANGES
Made-to-order; no returns or exchanges. If your print arrives damaged or incorrect, contact me within 7 days with photos of the damage and I’ll replace it at no cost after proof.
SIZES AVAILABLE
Each print includes a white border for easy matting and framing. Border sizes vary slightly depending on the paper size.
Approximate image and border sizes:
• 4"x6" paper — 3.5"x5.5" image (¼" white border on all sides)
• 9"x12" paper — 8"x11" image (½" white border on all sides)
• 12"x18" paper — 10"x16" image (½" white border on all sides)
• 16"x24" paper — 14"x22" image (1" white border on all sides)
• 20"x30" paper — 17"x27" image (1½" white border on all sides)
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