McKinney, Texas - In her provocative art series, "Wallflowers," Melissa Windham creates large format paintings inspired by her gender to showcase the aspects of what it means to be a beautiful woman. Each piece is of a woman posing and displaying herself so much so that she becomes a part of the decor, and by so doing begins to blend in more than she stands out. Seemingly simple images, which visually strike and appeal, contrast with the very real struggle of obtaining today's societal standards of beauty. These paintings are intensely hued with a bold and illustrative style created with loose brushstrokes and thick outlines, while still upholding a heavy realism.
Windham received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Stephen F. Austin State University in December of 2009. She is greatly moved to create pieces that coincide with her own life and is the fourth generation to pursue art as a career in her family. She is currently working as an artist out of Waco, Texas. This is Windham's first solo show.
"Wallflowers" opens on Saturday, January 8, with an artist's reception from 7-10pm. Through February 9 at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios, 107 S Tennessee in McKinney, Texas. Gallery Hours: Mon-Sat 1-5pm, 2nd Saturday 1-10pm or by appointment. Free admission. 214.914.3630. www.lauramooreart.com