Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Misurelli
Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Some of my earliest memories are of drawing. Art has always been how I process the world. I spent hours immersed in beautifully illustrated children’s books by authors such as Beatrix Potter, Mary Cicely Barker, and the Brothers Grimm, as well as folklore from around the world. These enchanting stories and vivid illustrations profoundly shaped my imagination and sparked my creativity. Nature also played a pivotal role in my inspiration, stemming from time spent exploring the hills behind one of my childhood homes, climbing trees, and sitting beside the creek dreaming up stories and drawing.
I had the unique experience of living in Budapest, Hungary, for six months and visiting Vienna, Austria. My family was situated in Hungary due to my father’s involvement in the movie Hudson Hawk. We visited the movie set, which was an incredible experience. We explored castles, museums, art galleries, and the picturesque Hungarian countryside. All of these experiences left an indelible mark on my creative spirit.
At twelve, my parents divorced, and drawing became my refuge—a way to escape and express emotions I couldn’t put into words. I was quiet and reserved in school, but art gave me a voice. Years later, as a young mother, I drew again in moments of solitude. A woman from an online group asked if I could sketch a portrait of her and her husband for their anniversary. Looking back, that drawing was far from perfect, but she loved it, and it was the first time I realized people would pay for my art.
When I was still in school and working as a single mom, my daughters went to visit their dad for his visitation. I took an art class and did a portrait of my girls. My passion was ignited again. I didn’t at that point see how I could make it a career, but it was something I wanted to continue, at least as a hobby. It filled me with passion and confidence again.
In my immediate family, most of my siblings are in the medical field, ranging from doctors to nurses, while my little sister and I are artists. I was one class shy of finishing my prerequisites to apply for respiratory therapy school. When I proudly told my brother (a radiologist) that I was about to submit my application, he asked, “Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” I was somewhat annoyed with the comment. He added, “I think you’re making a mistake. I think you should do art.” Later, I told my husband about the exchange, and he said, “I agree. I think he’s right.” I was so annoyed, but deep down, I knew they were both right. That conversation stayed with me, and eventually, I decided to abandon the medical field and pursue my dreams with art.
I went on to earn a BFA in Illustration with a minor in Art History from Utah Valley University. My studies deepened my love for storytelling through art, allowing me to refine my technical skills and explore historical influences that continue to shape my work.
Recently, I rediscovered an old online storage account filled with baby photos of my oldest children and a forgotten collection of Grimm fairy tale illustrations I had saved over a decade ago that inspired me to want to become an illustrator. The timing felt serendipitous, as I’m now illustrating a Snow White book using my daughter as one of the models. It reminded me how art has always guided me, even when I didn’t realize it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been anything but smooth. Art, like any creative pursuit, comes with self-doubt, financial uncertainty, and wondering if you’re on the right path.
One of my biggest struggles was balancing motherhood with my artistic ambitions. As a young mom, there were times when I felt isolated and unsure if I could pursue art seriously while raising my children. Later, as a single mother, I had to put practical needs first, often pushing my creative dreams to the background.
Another challenge was overcoming the deeply ingrained belief that art wasn’t a “real career.” Coming from a family filled with medical professionals, I often questioned whether I was making the right choice. It took time and the encouragement of those closest to me to fully embrace that this is what I was meant to do.
There were also technical struggles, refining my skills, building confidence in my abilities, and figuring out how to market my work. Learning to navigate the business side of art—pricing, commissions, exhibitions—was (and still is) a learning process. But through it all, my passion for painting has never wavered.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in oil painting, particularly in figurative and portrait work. My style is heavily influenced by the Dutch Baroque, Italian Renaissance, and Pre-Raphaelite movements—blending realism with emotion, antique aesthetics, and a touch of romantic melancholy. My passion lies in crafting enthralling portraits imbued with antique aesthetics, romance, and florals. My favorite medium is oil, which allows me to breathe life into traditional figures and portraits with realism and romance.
My work often explores themes of motherhood, femininity, history, and spirituality. I love incorporating symbolism, rich textures, and dramatic lighting to create a sense of timelessness. My goal is not just to paint a likeness but to evoke a feeling—to tell a story.
One of my proudest accomplishments is having my painting Because She is a Mother accepted into the Springville Museum of Art’s Spiritual & Religious Art of Utah show. As a child, I lived in Springville and went to school next door to the museum. I visited it and dreamed of having my art displayed there. That moment felt like a full-circle achievement.
Another milestone was winning Best of Show at the Steel Days Art Show with The Honey Harvest. Having my work recognized in that way was validating and rewarding.
What sets my work apart is the emotional depth I strive to infuse into each piece. I want my paintings to feel like something from another time—classic, yet deeply personal. My love for history, storytelling, and traditional techniques all play into that.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Many artists worry about AI replacing creative jobs, and while it will undoubtedly change certain aspects of the industry, I also see it fueling a renewed appreciation for traditional art. As digital and AI-generated works become more common, I believe we are on the verge of a traditional-art renaissance.
People will crave authenticity—the human touch, the imperfections, the tangible presence of a handmade piece. Oil paintings, sculptures, and other handcrafted works will become even more sought after as a response to the rise of digital art.
I also see a shift in how artists connect with their audience. Social media, online galleries, and platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter allow artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build direct relationships with collectors. This will continue to grow, giving independent artists more opportunities to thrive.
That said, AI and digital tools will have their place, especially in illustration and concept art. They can speed up workflows and open new creative possibilities. But for me personally, AI’s rise doesn’t change why I create; My fulfillment does not depend on whether or not I sell a single painting. Art is more than a career—it’s a calling, a passion, and something I’ll always do, no matter where the industry goes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melissamisurelli.wixsite.com/mysite
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissamisurelliart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissamisurelliart/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-misurelli-b8615398/
Image Credits
Ashlyn Budding
