About the Artist

Gary Melquist

I aim to show emotional depth in my work that expresses a bright energy and brilliant colors. I have vast questions about our world and life too that comes out in my art. I draw to capture a scene or moment I came across. I do not draw realistically because I am incorporating my emotions into my art. My art says something about me – my gregarious personality and love for life and exploration. I also am inspired to create drawings of exotic birds and flowers, as well as postcards from my travels. Art has increased my positive outlook on life. I have lived with mental illness for most of my life, which has had its ups and downs due to depression. Art has made my life much more fulfilling. It has benefited by mental health through improving my moods and giving me purpose. I can express myself in ways that are therapeutic. I am enjoying life more than I ever dreamed possible, in my elder years.