If you were unfamiliar with her work before now, you’re welcome. Melissa Hood is creating some the most enchanting horse portraits, and she’s only getting started!
Done in acrylic on canvas, Melissa’s portraits have a pretty, lighthearted feel. Not afraid of color, Melissa makes each portrait with your preferences in mind. Her art is bright and bold, overflowing with character. She definitely found a niche that is campy, eclectic and tender.
The graphic, colorful backgrounds have become a signature. Inspired by nature, they bring to mind scenes such as a galaxy or underwater. Melissa’s unique style of painting horses over these abstract backgrounds blends the real world with fantasy.
My personal favorite? This girl and her horse: It’s all about the special bond between horse and human, based on an unspoken trust and confidence. I automatically related to this piece, particularly the love and affection that’s so clearly visible.
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Melissa specializes in painting not just a horse’s likeness, but also its spirit and personality in a way that is as individual as each subject. Her work reflects a clear vision, imagination, and devotion to representing horses in an animated and expressive way. This allows the fullness of their essence to shine through.
This portrait of Valegro certainly captures his personality, don’t you think?
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I absolutely adore Melissa’s whimsical accounts of equestrian culture. All of her portraits are so soft and dreamy!
Although her talents extend beyond the realm of fantasy horse portraiture, there is a magical essence to this genre that is captivating. I can’t help but imagine commissioning a painted Ode to the V.I.P.P. (Very Important Paint Pony) in my life.
