Says Melissa of this work: “ These works were initiated plein-air, facing south, on the deck which overlooks our wetlands area. I was taking in the surrounds, jotting notes (like shorthand) and trying to take in this wonderland. I later pinned the works to my studio wall and responded to the initial drawing by layering up with oil paints, and letting the paint, colour relations, and resulting surprises dictate my next moves.”