After completing a Diploma in Graphic Design at Caulfield Institute of Technology (RMIT) in 1979, Deborah Melville worked as a professional Graphic designer and Illustrator.
In 1982 marriage and children brought her to Hamilton in Western Victoria, where she joined a Hamilton Art Group and began painting landscapes and cottages in Watercolour and was regularly commissioned by Real Estate Agents and Architects.
However it was not until a friend asked me to paint ‘Kipling’ a beautiful black Labrador, that I found my niche – and my passion! I loved painting animals and my artistic frustration finally disappeared. During the past 33 years my style has continued to evolve. It is now finely detailed with overlapping washes, building tonal values and intricate brushwork. Hours slip away as I concentrate on capturing the personality and spirit of each of my ‘sitters’.
A very memorable time in my career came when the Victorian Racing Museum commissioned me to paint their Champions – ‘Sunline’, ‘Northerly’ and ‘Makybe Diva’ – this was a special honour.
I take Pet and Equine Commissions and work from my studio at home in Hamilton, Victoria.
It is a blessing to be living in this beautiful part of the world with my husband – and gorgeous Golden Retriever, ‘Bear’!