Melissa Symons (Vandermeer) is a first generation Canadian who came from a long line of Dutch artists.

Self-taught in all media, she transforms her love for animals into color to provoke joy and humor. “I never imagined anyone would enjoy my art except me. I paint only what makes my soul happy, and I don’t worry about what people think. It turns out that what makes my soul happy evokes the same feeling in other animal lovers. Just being myself was the catalyst to a successful art career”.

Melissa uses contemporary realism to spread her message: all animals and creatures are special. They have complex personalities and feelings that humans can’t comprehend, but can be mirrored through expression and color.