Blog on the Move

Artomel.com

The new blog has moved to my website at Artomel.com under the About tab click News and Blog. Come see all of my new paintings and consider contacting me for a pet portrait or two of your furry friends. - Melissa

Parade of Pups at the Pet Expo

Demo painting of Mouse the Guinea Pig

Blackbird Bike with Charley the spokes dog and his copilot Jim

Petburbia on display!

People on parade as dogs look on eager for a ride

Even the cats came out to play

Proud guinea pig loving family

Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts Reception

Historic gallery space with lush gardens

Pets on View: Melissa Black's Petburbia and Litters More Art

July 25 - August 22

Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts
6666 East River Road
Fridley, MN 55432

Tuesday through Saturday
10am - 4pm

"Mommy, I like all of them!"

Even the little dog enjoyed the show. The baby couldn't stop smiling

Talented artists in multiple mediums

Moments before the fight over which pet was better #Catsrule

Lots to see inside and outside of the gallery

Cat-Cat may think she's the star of the family, but she's got competition

Hanging Out At The Library

Robert Trail Library Solo Show Reception in Rosemount

Thanks to everyone (both humans and dogs) for joining me at an amazing artist reception.

37 Petburbia portraits will be on display at the 

Robert Trail Public Library in Rosemount, MN from 

June 4 through July 20.

Monday through Thursday 10am to 8:30pm
Friday and Saturday 10am to 5:30pm
Closed Sunday

The collection covers the longest wall in the library, features all original watercolor paintings, and spotlights some of my favorite furry and feathers faces.

Official Office Ginger

Travi the Official Office Ginger 

"Give me a room with a view!" 

Travi, the Orange Tabby, started life as an illegal resident of a garden apartment. His windows were covered with paper, and he had to work really hard to pull the paper loose. Suddenly he needed a new home, and luckily his new place had huge sun filled windows. 

Watching big cats on TV and live birds on his "Cat TV" (a bird feeder hanging on the family room window) are a few of Travi's favorite activities. Another is climbing onto my shoulders to watch me paint or type. He's a bit of a critic, letting out a low "mreh" at the things he doesn't like. 

Booker snuggles with Travi for a power cat nap 

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"

Original *SOLD

Mellow Musher German

Buck the Mellow Musher German 

"I'll always guard the needs of young, old, all of the most special people." 

At 103 years old, the nursing home resident thought most of her adventures where behind her, then she met Buck. 

A solid 75 pound German Shepherd, Buck could easily be intimidating with his intense eyes and athletic build, but he's an amazingly empathetic fellow who knows how to calm and encourage people from all walks of life.  

Buck started early, visiting his first school at just 12 weeks old. He enjoys working with special needs kids, budding readers, and the elderly.  

And when Buck noticed that 103 year-old had grabbed his leash, he took her and her wheelchair for a ride she never expected and would smile about for days. 

A comforting touch between Buck and Nancy during reading time 

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"
Original HOLD

Super-Sized Supporter Blue Dane

Major the Super-Sized Supporter Blue Dane

"Big or small, I love them all."

At a svelte 140 pounds, Major, the Blue-coated Great Dane, may look imposing, but he's truly a gentle giant (most of the time).

Major works as a therapy dog reading with children at the library. His calm nature and extreme patience make him well suited for the job. It also helps when he's dealing with other Great Danes his family fosters.

The best example of Major's nurturing nature shines when he's dealing with the abandoned kittens who wondered out of a rhubarb bush and adopted Major as their Mommy. He happily accepts sandpaper tongue baths from these tiny creatures whenever they offer them.

Just be careful when it starts to snow. Major loves wrestling his humans into the snow banks and turning chopper mittens into chew toys.

Greyson points out why books are awesome as Major takes note

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"
Original HOLD