I live on the wild Cornish Penwith peninsula, near Land's End, and make dynamic, bold paintings inspired by life and land. Whether in the intimacy of my garden or the wildness of the landscape I find my allies in the beautiful life-forms, colours and sounds that surround me: birds, flowers, rocks, trees, waves. Making art alllows my heart to sing a song of love, gratitude and hope. I studied Fine Art Painting in Scotland and then at Chelsea College of Art, where I did an MA. I have exhibited and taught on both sides of the border. See my website www.melaniestokesartist.com and follow me on twitter @Sketchbookstoke