All you have to do is look at Melissa Payne Baker to see that she is living the life she was born to live. Melissa is an artist and a mom.
She has an angel watching over her. 10 years ago Melissa lost her best friend Michelle in a tragic car accident. Michelle was Melissa's biggest supporter, and she always encouraged her to work as an artist full time. After the accident, Melissa took her friend's advice and started a series of angel paintings. Those pieces put her on the map.
The first piece she showed of this series sparked a bidding war at a fundraiser. The couple who lost the bid approached Melissa for her first official commission. Melissa's career took off from there.
She joined Huff Harrington gallery, and her pieces are so popular there. Melissa is one of the most well represented artists in the contemporary section at the Trinity Artists Market. Today her work hangs in several galleries throughout the Southeast.
A few years ago Melissa had her perfect son, Payne, and in motherhood she's found true happiness.
Photo by Andrea Wood Photography
I met Melissa through the Trinity Artist Market and Holly Street several years ago, and I believe it was Divine intervention. She came into my life at a time when I really needed a friend. She knows how important friends are and goes out of her way to show them how much she cares. I am forever thankful I know this beautiful soul. She is a blessing in my life.
10 Questions
Name: Melissa Payne Baker
Job: Artist and Mom
Describe your typical work day: I do have the most amazing job and I am fortunate to be a natural multi-tasker. I work from my home studio and get to watch my son grow. A typical day involves waking early to have uninterrupted time to get inspired, paint, create marketing ideas, answer emails, workout. Once everyone else is awake I begin meals, dishes, diapers, laundry, pick up toys and paint, REPEAT hourly! My rush hour is spent finishing up with paintings and more computer work to spend time with my husband and son. Night night to the family and off to paint again. Wine, REPEAT.
1. If you could choose one celebrity and raid their closet, who would you choose?
Gwyneth Paltrow, I love her simple, neutral, no fuss, layered look.
2. Who is your favorite artist?
I have so many favorites, right now I am loving my art by Fred Cox. He is an innovative master artisan trained in fine decorative arts and specializes in classical techniques in the european tradition. I purchased my first piece from him years ago and just added these four(attached) to a little nook in our house. I love the burlap and texture.
3. Describe your prefect Atlanta date night.
Rick and I love JCT Kitchen upstairs bar area. Fabulous drinks, live music and the best dish, angry mussels. We also love Eleanor's, a hidden gem inside Muss & Turner's, walk through the freezer doors and you are in a handsome bar with great food and drinks.
Source- http://www.jctkitchen.com/
Source- http://www.jctkitchen.com/
Source- Eleanor's- Muss & Turner's
4. Where is your favorite place to shop for clothes?
I love small local boutiques like Honey Bee and Love Street in Smyrna
5. What did you want to be when you were young?
A physical therapist, now I need one from working with huge canvases and picking up my son.
6. What book made a difference to you?
Anne of Green Gables
7. What is your favorite recipe to cook at home?
Ina Garten's Beef Bourguignon, my husband is the chef in the house but when I have time I make this, takes a while but it is worth every minute!
8. What was the best purchase you made last year?
trip to Paris. Also, a train set for my son, hours of fun!
9. Where is your favorite place to buy things for your personal home?
Ballard Designs and Huff Harrington Home
Source: Ballards Design
Source: Huff Harrington Home
10. What is your main goal for 2015?
Be happy and healthy
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