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 graudation, she decided to reclaim her southen roots and moved home where her career in art continued. She studied for one year at Louisiana Tech University, under painting instructor, Peter Jones and drawing instructor, Kathy Velard. Since she has been back in Louisiana , and having survived the devastion of Hurricane Katrina, her art has taken a turn. Using both oil and acrylic she paints on everything from canvas and sections of fence board, to tin and window panes. Although most popularly recognized by 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 magnificant 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 deam a painting complete when I see that it is captivating and atmospheric."

About the Jazz Musicians:  "I was recently hired to paint a New Orleans street car sculpture, for the 'Street Car Named Inspire' project.  Ninty-nine other artists participated as well, and the street cars have been positioned all over New Orleans, both in public places and company buildings.  I am excited to announce that my street car design has been favored by many, including the Young Leadership Council, who has chosen to create 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 art work, if you have any questions please e-mail me at frankieisalive@hotmail.com.  Thank you, and God bless.