Glow, 2000

Like a swirling pool of molten lava, Melissa Battersby’s Glow certainly lives up to its name. The waves and strokes of gold and orange feathered across swathes of scalding reds and magentas draw the observer into its fiery core. It’s further intensified by the abrupt absence of bright paint that reveals a black layer underneath. The black frames the work, but it also streaks through the color, dividing the piece into imperfect halves. Battersby’s thoughtfully chosen colors seem to breach the dimensions of the canvas, creating a light source of their own, glowing.

Battersby goes about painting these dynamic arrays of color rather unconventionally. She creates many colorful abstract works, not unlike Glow, using oil paint, some rags, and the palms of her hands. This method perhaps produces much more personal, organic strokes of paint compared to that of a brush. Where the color goes is entirely in her hands. Her works speak for themselves, conveying a successful display of energy and sensuality through her swirls and waves of glowing color.

Artist bio: Abstract Expressionist Artist best known for her bold and sensual color field paintings. Oil Painter Melissa Battersby finished 2nd in California Contemporary Artist of the year out of 1100 contemporary artists at Bergamot Station, L.A. CA. Commissioned by Sage Global Headquarters in England from 2004-2009 for the largest oil painting installation in England by an American Artist. Artists unique style of channeling the suns energy the paintings have been said to actually vibrate. Battersby does not use brushes she only uses small rags, oil paint and her hands.