Colourful Creations: Melanie April Art

WORDS Michaela Stehr IMAGES @creativecovestudio on Instagram

Sarasota-based artist Melanie April (a.k.a. @creativecovestudio) loves celebrating colour through her vibrant and whimsical works.

Each of her pieces tells a story, whether it be of an animal or a famous artist. Her predominant medium is watercolour and she brings levels of dimension to her work by painting on pieces of wood.

Here are 10 of our favourites.

This little wood round looked so much like a silly little owl… I had to paint it that way ? . #watercolour #woodround #owlsofinstagram #owls #owl #watercolor #makersgonnamake #makerslife #makersmovement #creativelife #paintdaily #artists_creations #artistofinstagram #artoftheday #woodlandanimals #animalart

A photo posted by Melanie April Art (@creativecovestudio) on Jul 28, 2016 at 8:11am PDT

“If you hear a voice within you saying, ‘you are not a painter’, then by all means paint… And that voice will be silenced.” -Vincent Van Gogh My fav ? . . #watercolor #woodround #vangogh #vangoghportrait #artonwood #portrait #illustration #worldwatercolormonth #paintdaily #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #bosslady #artist #artists_creations #artisticcommunity

A photo posted by Melanie April Art (@creativecovestudio) on Jul 25, 2016 at 6:46am PDT

I was gonna wait to post this tomorrow but I can’t… It’s just too darned cute!! I also couldn’t wait to paint this long eared cutie on this long piece of wood… Ah! It makes me so happy to make these little things ??? . #makersgonnamake #jackrabbit #bunny #bunnylove #watercolor #supportartists #woodround #artonwood #watercolour #painting #imadethis #forestanimals #critters #makersmovement #watercolorartist

A photo posted by Melanie April Art (@creativecovestudio) on Jul 22, 2016 at 2:49pm PDT

In my story, the howling of the wolves created the the soul of the moon… And the more they howl, the fuller she becomes… Thank you all so much for your kind comments and likes! I am so inspired by you ?? . #watercolor #wolf #woodround #artonwood #animalart #spiritanimal #fullmoon #moon #creative_animalart #animalcreatives #amethyst #wolfspiritanimal #worldwatercolormonth #wolfspirit #bluemoon #paintdaily #fantasyart #howl #howlatthemoon

A photo posted by Melanie April Art (@creativecovestudio) on Jul 24, 2016 at 6:56am PDT

Things that make me happy… One little art piece packaged and ready to send into the world… A sleeping baby deer… I like thinking there’s one out there doing exactly this while I’m painting it! And SPACE… It fascinates me ?✨ HAPPY FRIDAY FRIENDS!?????? . #watercolor #woodround #makersgonnamake #artists_creations #outofthisworld #outerspace #space #deer #babydeer #woodlandanimals #woodlandcreatures #nurserydecor #packagingideas #makersmovement #animalart #paintdaily #nurseryinspo #nusery #babyanimals

A photo posted by Melanie April Art (@creativecovestudio) on Jul 29, 2016 at 8:04am PDT

A woodland trio… So sweet!??? . #woodlandanimals #deer #babydeer #fawn #woodlandcreatures #bunny #rabbit #hedgehog #hedgehogsofinstagram #animalart #animalartists #woodround #makersgonnamake #watercolors #watercolor #miniaturewatercolor #miniature #artcollection #collection #babyanimals #nursery #nurserydecor #artists_creations #supportlivingartists #creative_animalart

A photo posted by Melanie April Art (@creativecovestudio) on Jul 31, 2016 at 9:40am PDT

Finally finished this little commissioned piece. All ready for a sweet baby’s nursery when he/she decides to make their entry into this world ??? . #watercolor #watercolour #aquarell #painting #animalart #nurserydecor #nursery #babyontheway #makersgonnamake #supportartists #artist #sarasota #fawn #woodlandanimals #babyanimals

A photo posted by Melanie April Art (@creativecovestudio) on Aug 4, 2016 at 7:59am PDT

Frida with Frida ? . #watercolor #watercolour #frida #fridakahlo #instaart #artstagram #thatsdarling #woodround #portrait #miniaturepainting #painting #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #createdtocreate #createdaily #paintdaily #artists_creations #sarasota

A photo posted by Melanie April Art (@creativecovestudio) on Aug 5, 2016 at 7:01am PDT

Closeup. Cuz it’s cute ? . #watercolor #watercolour #woodrounds #animalart #hare #rabbit #bunny #creativeanimal_art #animalart #artists_creations #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #igart #painting #woodlandnursery #nurserydecor

A photo posted by Melanie April Art (@creativecovestudio) on Aug 6, 2016 at 8:53am PDT

WOW ? that’s all I keep saying! These two Van Goghs and I are freaking out about being featured on @instagram by the incredibly talented Michael @symmetrybreakfast (follow him immediately, he’s a genius!) it feels incredible to be recognized for something you put your heart and soul into… I am honored. But now, back to work… Onto more painting! Wishing you an inspired, creative day! Thank you ALL for your kind comments. The support and good vibes have been overwhelming! ???? . . . #wow #watercolor #vangogh #instagramrocks #imblownaway #honored #freakingout #artistoninstagram #watercolorportrait #winsornewton #paintingismylife #artismylife #glowing #makersgonnamake #keeponpainting #itsonlyjustbegun

A photo posted by Melanie April Art (@creativecovestudio) on Aug 16, 2016 at 6:22am PDT