A classic still life is given a refreshing and bold new life in this oil abstract painting by Montreal born artist Mel Davis. Davis creates paintings that re-imagine traditionally familiar themes in a contemporary way. She uses colour, texture, pattern and form—reminiscent of the fluid, colourful work of the French artist Matisse. But here, big brush strokes, black markings and bright colours-yellow, orange, green and white create a delightful, modern composition.

“My paintings investigate iconic themes in art such as landscape, the portrait, the interior. I am interested in how we as makers and viewers can find endless modes of description and emotional connection in these classical representations.” Mel Davis

She graduated from Concordia University with a BFA in 1998. A short study trip at the Slade School of Art in London was followed by a move to California where she acquired her MFA at the San Francisco Institute of Art. Davis still lives in the Bay area. Her work has been shown in both solo and group shows in Canada and the U.S.