Painting is her passion Painting is her passion (October 04, 2002)

Artist Melanie Lacki is known for vibrant use of color
by Sharael Feist

In her home studio in Pleasanton with a sweeping view of Mount Diablo, Melanie Lacki, 53, has spent countless hours perched on a chair in front of her easel, contemplating her next brush stroke.

"Painting is my lifetime passion, my calling," Lacki said. "I knew when I was very young that I wanted to be an artist."

Lacki, a Pleasanton resident for 28 years, has created hundreds of paintings of people and landscapes. Her work is described as contemporary realism, but it's her vibrant use of color that makes her paintings stand out.

She was preparing for a show at the Art on Main gallery in St. Helena, which will be more of an exhibition than a commercial venture. In addition to 25 watercolor and three oil paintings, Lacki will display nine studies, which are preliminary watercolor sketches of her larger paintings. The studies will be placed next to the final piece of art to show the process Lacki uses to create her artwork.

Her favorite painting, "City Lights," which is of old town Montreal at dusk, will be on display at the exhibit. It is her first nocturnal painting.

It can take Lacki up to 45 hours to complete one painting, but there's nothing else she'd rather do.

She finds inspiration from everyday things around her. She is currently concentrating on painting people in their environment. Her family has occasionally been the subject of her paintings.

"I like atmospheric, emotional subjects and the ability to create a piece of art that says something about a specific time and place in my life," Lacki said pointing to a painting of her daughter preparing to compete in a horse show. "It's a statement about what's around me."

Lacki has received much recognition in the art world, including two Grumbacher Gold Medallion awards and the National Watercolor Society's Winsor Newton award for outstanding use of color.

"I made an effort to study color so I can use it effectively," she said.

Lacki studied at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland for five years. She went on to become a graphic illustrator and art director for two newspapers and then opened an advertising agency. In the 1980s she co-owned H2O Art Gallery in Pleasanton.

Upon having her second child, she decided to give up her 9-to-5 job and return to her painting. This allowed her to work from home and spend more time with her kids.

Now, with over 40 years of experience as an artist, Lacki says that she has accomplished most of her goals, and paints just because it's her passion.

"I love painting for nobody but myself," she said.

There is a step-by-step process Lacki uses to create her paintings. First, she takes a photograph and does a sketch of the scene. This is when she decides the composition, design and values. Next, she goes back to her studio and paints a study. From there, she goes on to create the full size (22x30-inch) painting. Finally, the painting gets matted and framed.

Lacki also occasionally gives lectures and painting workshops to schools and organizations in the area.

With a successful painting career, Lacki has advice for artists that are just starting out.

"Go to school and get an education," Lacki said. "First you must learn how to draw. And practice. The words, 'Practice makes perfect' that your mother told you, come back to us as we get older."

In addition to education, Lacki also suggests that aspiring artists join a professional art organization, such as the Pleasanton Art League, to network with other artists.

Lacki says that she immensely enjoys her calling, but she warns new artists that the most difficult thing is the discipline and solitude.
Meet the artist

Melanie Lacki's paintings are on display at the Art on Main gallery at 1359 Main St. in St. Helena through Oct. 12. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For information, call (707) 963-3350.