Natalia Melnikova

I am an internationally known photographer from Moscow, now living in Los Angeles. Over 12 years of professional work in Russia I have done major magazine covers, and worked with top business and entertainment celebrities. I have also shot hundreds of portraits, wedding, boudoir and high-fashion sessions in my traditional, romantic style, which led to being asked to teach Master Classes in Moscow, Paris, Nuremberg, Rome, London, Prague, Santorini, and many other cities.

I made my home in Los Angeles after meeting my husband. I started painting in America because I was overwhelmed by the natural beauty of this amazing land, and the richness of colors, the diverse exoticism, and the amazing openness and friendliness that reflected in the vibrant and dynamic culture I have discovered here. This did so much to fire my imagination! I soon realized that the emotions I was experiencing could no longer be confined to photography. I needed to express this through painting. I especially love working with acrylics combined with unique variations of surface textures. Most of the techniques I employ I came up with as a result of contact trial and error, which was driven by my ever-increasing passion for painting.

It has been said by people far more talented than me that Art Will Set You Free, and it has been the greatest joy of my life to be able to express my love of the freedom, openness and joy of the Universal love by putting those feelings onto a a blank canvas.