Part-Time Artist, Full-Time Banker

When Melissa Arrant returns home from a monotonous day at the bank, she turns her mind to her real passion - painting.
 
"I would love to be a career artist, however, I am working in the field of retail banking," Arrant explained. "That's my day job. Painting is more of a hobby."

The idea of turning art into a full-time job has crossed the 24-year-old artist's mind on several occasions.

"Eventually I would like to paint full time and own my own studio, allowing other people to come in and view my work on a regular basis," she said.

Finding time to paint is not easy for Arrant. With a husband and a full-time job, she is usually only able to squeeze about two to three hours out of the week to completely devote to painting.

"When I get time, I lock myself up in my room, turn on some music, light some incense and have fun painting," she explained.

She does not always feel like painting, but Arrant credits her husband as the person who keeps her going.

"Instead of allowing me to sit on the couch and watch TV, he'll push me in that room and say, ‘go paint,'" she added laughing.

Once she is in her room, Arrant is free to create. Each stroke she places on the canvas is backed by emotion.

Since she considers herself a perfectionist, Arrant prefers to paint abstract. She fears that she would never get anything done if she actually attempted to paint a realistic piece. Her job also plays a role in why she chooses to paint abstract.

"I deal with so many numbers, facts and figures at the bank, and in my life at home, that it is kind of nice to step away and do something where nothing is really expected of you," she explained. "You start with a blank piece of canvas. You can turn it into anything. It doesn't have to be something that you actually see outside."

Watching Arrant paint is just as amazing as the finished product itself. She does not use an easel like most artists working on a canvas.

"I just sit down on the floor," she explained. "I like to be able to have it in my lap and be able to turn it around and see it from a different perspective."

Arrant mostly works with acrylics and oils, but she is not afraid to try out other mediums. She has tried anything from pastels and watercolor to India ink and ebony.

She uses a variety of techniques in her paintings, but her favorite does not even involve a paintbrush.

"I tend to use sponge brushes or sponging techniques in my work," she explained. "I still use other brushes for the smaller details."

Once Arrant's idea is executed on canvas and matches the idea in her head, she is almost done.

"Technically my work of art is not complete until I actually sign the piece."

Arrant's love for art led her to join the area's most prestigious art organization - Panama City Artists of Northwest Florida. Not only is she a member, she is the vice president.

Founded in 2002, the Panama City Artists boasts a membership of more than 90 members comprised of professional artists, teachers, hobbyists, enthusiasts and patrons. Click here http://www.panamacityartists.net/ to read more about the Panama City Artists.

Arrant's work will be on display during the Panama City Artists Show at the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida in Panama City between June 30 and July 21. Prices for her artwork are determined by square inch, but most pieces go for $100-300.

For more information about Arrant, check out her Web site at www.melissaarrant.com.