Windows on the Natural World: A Glimpse into Nature as Art

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts can treat their spirits this month to a glimpse into nature as art in San Antonio, Texas. From February 8 to March 8, 2007, the work of Texas Hill Country artist Melanie Fain will be featured at the Hunt Gallery in a one-woman show called "Windows on the Natural World."

A well-known artist in the United States, Melanie Fain's etchings and watercolors depict birds, botanicals, and insects. Fain's work is a sensitive and elegant portrayal of creatures in their natural habitat, as viewed through her own eyes in the wild, and in the wildlife setting of her home on seven wooded acres. Says Melanie of her work, "I have always been drawn to nature - it is my livelihood, my recreation, my comfort, my home. It is who I am and what I know best. My goal in my art is to capture the essence of how I feel about a particular subject and share that emotional connection with my collectors."

The etchings are hand-printed, then hand-painted with watercolor or pastel, making each one unique. Fain's work has garnered top awards throughout the country and can be found in both public and private collections from coast to coast. Each edition is limited to 100 signed/numbered etchings, with 10 artist proofs.

This is the first San Antonio show since Fain developed her new genre of work using a multiple plate process. The process gives the etchings a unique and distinctive look. There is no other wildlife artist in the United States doing this style of etchings.

One unique feature of Fain's etchings is the "printmaker's chop" - a mark or seal created with an embossing tool in the margin or edge of an etching. The symbol is a mark of authenticity - in this particular case, Fain pulls her etchings on her own press, as indicated by the rattlesnake tail chop that appears beside her signature. As Fain tells it, "I felt the rattler chop was unusual and would be a symbol not readily used by anyone... symbolic of starting my professional art career in South Texas. Twenty-five years later, I am still a printmaker, pulling my own fine art etchings of the natural world that people love."

The Windows on the Natural World show will be featured at The Hunt Gallery, located at 4225 McCullough Ave in San Antonio, Texas. Hours are Mon-Sat 9-5. The gallery will host an Artist Reception/Opening on February 8, 2007 from 6 to 8 p.m. Call (210) 822-6527 or visit http://www.huntgallery.net/

For more information, visit Melanie Fain’s website: www.melaniefain.com or contact Melanie Fain at mel@melaniefain.com or by phone at (830) 377-3255.

# # #

Biography
Melanie Fain lives in the Texas Hill Country on seven wooded acres. In this beautiful landscape, she is inspired by the wildlife she sees every day. Melanie offers her patrons an intimate view of the natural world, with emphasis on birds, botanicals, and insects. She translates her sensitive perceptions into elegant, watercolors and hand-colored etchings which find broad appeal among naturalists and sportsmen alike.

Melanie designs her compositions using the 'less is more' philosophy of her mentor, Thomas Quinn, giving her work an Asian feel. This beautiful simplicity has invited the description, 'visual haiku', a compliment she treasures. Since beginning her art career in 1982, Melanie's work has garnered top awards throughout the United States. Her work has also juried into prestigious national and international competitions.

Melanie Fain Studio
PO Box 187
Boerne, TX 78006
830 377-3255
www.melaniefain.com
mel@melaniefain.com

This release was published on openPR.