Discover the Bold Artistry of Melissa Ellis

Creative Living host, Jane Clauss, introduces you to Melissa Ellis, the Dallas-based artist redefining oil painting with her bold, hand-sculpted creations. Using palette knives and thick layers of paint, Melissa transforms canvases into textured, three-dimensional masterpieces that command attention. Her process? A delicate dance between organization and spontaneity, where imperfections aren’t flaws but opportunities. Inspired by nature’s raw beauty, Melissa embraces the unpredictable to create art that feels alive.

In this episode, Melissa shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of being a one-woman creative powerhouse. From managing her business to following her artistic passion, she opens up about her journey—how encouragement from friends sparked her first brushstrokes, and how she made the financial and emotional leap to pursue her dreams.

Melissa also gives us an insider’s look at her commission work, including a jaw-dropping project for Louis Vuitton (yes, that Louis Vuitton!). She talks about the art of collaboration, blending her style with her clients’ visions, and how fashion, travel, and nature fuel her creativity.

But the heart of the conversation is Melissa’s deeply personal new series, The Beans. Born from a challenging chapter in her life, this series celebrates relationships, resilience, and connection. Each piece tells a story, resonating universally with viewers who see their own loved ones reflected in her work. Melissa credits a transformative artist residency in France for helping shape this poignant new direction.

Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or someone chasing a creative dream, this episode is packed with inspiration. Melissa’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, risk-taking, and embracing the beauty in imperfection.

[0:00 - 2:30] Welcome to the Creative Living Podcast! Jane kicks things off by sharing her own story—how she embraced creativity despite doubts, what she learned at Art Basel in Miami, and her excitement about a fresh season filled with inspiring guests.

[2:30 - 4:00] Meet Melissa Ellis: Sculptor of Paint Jane introduces Melissa Ellis, an artist who doesn’t just paint—she sculpts oil onto canvas. Her process? Bold, intricate, and entirely one-of-a-kind. And trust us, you’ll want to hear how she turns paint into textured, three-dimensional magic.

[4:00 - 5:30] The Art of Sculpting on Canvas Melissa walks us through her one-of-a-kind painting technique, where she hand-sculpts oil paint with palette knives. The result? Textured, three-dimensional masterpieces that balance meticulous precision with spontaneous flair.

[5:30 - 7:30] Embracing Imperfection in Art In a heartfelt discussion, Melissa shares how she finds beauty in imperfection, often drawing inspiration from nature’s organic forms. She explains the delicate balance between planning and letting the creative process flow.

[7:30 - 9:30] Finding Flow & Crushing Creative Blocks Jane and Melissa gush over the flow state—that sweet spot where time disappears, and the creativity just flows. Melissa shares her go-to rituals for getting in the zone, including music, workspace vibes, and organized chaos.

[9:30 - 12:00] The Art + Business Balancing Act Melissa offers a behind-the-scenes look at the juggling act of being a full-time artist and entrepreneur. From painting to marketing, she handles it all with careful planning, proving that creativity and business savvy can coexist.

[12:00 - 15:00] From College Canvases to the Big Leagues Melissa reflects on her journey from painting for fun in college to pouring her heart and soul into full-time artistry. Spoiler: it took guts, grit, and a whole lot of believing in herself—and it’s a story you don’t want to miss.

[15:00 - 18:00] Commissioned Brilliance: Collaboration Meets Creativity Working with clients while staying true to her artistic style? Melissa makes it sound effortless. She shares how she collaborates on custom pieces that feel deeply personal to each client.

[18:00 - 19:30] A Louis Vuitton Dream Come True Yep, Melissa worked with Louis Vuitton. She dishes on how this dream commission came to life and what it felt like to see her art showcased by one of the biggest names in fashion. Cue goosebumps!

[19:30 - 22:00] Creativity Inspired by Fashion, Travel, and Nature Melissa talks about the everyday beauty that fuels her work, from the intricate details of nature to the textures of fashion. Her paintings are a tribute to the often-overlooked wonders of the world around us.

[22:00 - 27:00] “The Beans” Series: Art from the Heart Brace yourself for feels. Melissa opens up about her deeply personal “Beans” series, inspired by her relationship with her mother. This series is all about love, resilience, and the connections that hold us together.

[27:00 - 29:00] The Universal Appeal of “The Beans” The emotional resonance of the “Beans” series is undeniable. Melissa shares how clients have seen their own relationships reflected in her work, creating a powerful, shared connection.

[29:00 - 32:00] France Residency: Creativity Abroad Melissa shares her transformative experience at an artist residency in France. Immersed in a nurturing creative environment, she explored new ideas that shaped the direction of her work.

[32:00 - 34:00] New Studio, New Beginnings Melissa is making moves—literally! She’s opening a new studio and kicking off her next series with tons of excitement and creative energy.

[34:00 - 35:00] Stay Connected with Melissa Want to follow Melissa’s journey? She shares where to find her art online and keep up with her latest projects. Jane wraps the episode with a huge thank-you to Melissa for sharing her art, her story, and so much inspiration.