About Frankie

 

Frankie De Melo was raised in southeast Louisiana and attended college in Western New York, where she received her degree in visual arts. After spending time in New York City and Buffalo, post graduation, she decided to reclaim her southern roots and moved home where her career in art continued. She studied, for one year, at Louisiana Tech University, under painting instructor, Peter Jones. In 2007 Frankie moved home to marry Jason De Melo; they now have a beautiful son and daughter. Amidst nurturing a home and mothering their children, Frankie has made progressing her career in art, a priority. Although most popularly recognized for her landscapes of the Tchefuncte River, Frankie also enjoys doing figurative work, jazz musicians, and murals. About the Landscapes, Figures, and Religious Art:  "I use a material called gold leaf; sometimes all over the canvas, sometimes just to represent the land or water.  I have found that the gold leaf creates an abstract quality, which perfectly balances the traditional style subject I paint over it.  The leaf adds another dimension to my work, as well as enhances the colors I use.  These paintings look magnificent in homes, offices and restaurants.  The leaf has an ability to reflect color; incorporating any scheme you may need it to work in.  It also reflects light; in morning light, it actually looks like morning on the Tchefuncte, and in the evening light you feel dusk.  Artificial light also effects it in a different way, so at night, you have a whole new painting.  This keeps the art looking fresh and different all of the time.  I deem a painting complete when I see that it is captivating and atmospheric." About the Jazz Musicians:  "I started painting and selling jazz musicians in 2006. Shortly after I worked at a gallery in New Orleans, where they were a huge hit. I was hired to paint a New Orleans street car sculpture, for the 'Street Car Named Inspire' project; it can now be seen on display at the Northwestern Mutual office, in Metairie. The design was favored by many, including the Young Leadership Council, who created posters, t-shirts, and post cards from it.  The design for the street car was a spin off of the painting 'My New Orleans', which was part of a series of jazz musicians with colorful, vibrant back grounds, and long, soulful fingers." "I hope you enjoy viewing my artwork. Thank you, and God bless."