BIOGRAPHY
Melissa Vinh is an artist who grew up drawing all over the walls of her home in Virginia. She is currently a third-year Architecture student at the University of Virginia, pursuing a double minor in Global Sustainibility and Business Entreprenuership. Growing up, she was constantly drawing—often covering the walls of her home with sketches—an early passion that naturally evolved into a love for architecture as a built expression of art.
Entirely self-taught, Melissa continues to refine her craft through watercolor painting, drawing inspiration from the environments and communities around her. Recently, she has begun merging her love of travel and art through urban sketching, a practice that captures the spirit and lived experience of a place through observation and hand drawing. In addition to architectural illustration, Melissa works in a range of mediums, from oil paint to graphite, exploring different ways of capturing the world. She is a three-time published artist, with work featured in national magazines, and has received multiple art awards recognizing her creative achievements.
ARTIST STATEMENT
There are two kinds of artwork I create: pieces made purely for the personal joy of expression, and pieces crafted to bring delight and meaning to others. After laboring over a work for hours, days, or even months, I am always reminded why I begin in the first place—the power of art to evoke feeling. Even when I create for myself, I am seeking to spark inspiration and wonder in those who encounter the work. To move someone, even quietly, is the greatest reward. While I don’t confine myself to a single medium, watercolor remains closest to my heart. Watercolor brings a certain aspect of life and light that I can’t achieve with any other medium. Every paint stain and accidental splash of watercolor is what makes each piece unique. The world around us is filled with beauty and life, and my goal is to bring a little of that beauty into my art.
My hope is to give to you, whoever you may be, a stranger or a friend, beautiful artworks that capture some of your most cherished memories. Whether it’s your beloved home, college building, travel pictures, or even pet, my mission is to preserve your most treasured milestones and moments through my art.