Lelia

Fine artist Lelia DeMello was born in Boston MA and raised on Cape Cod. She moved to the beautiful Islands of Hawaii in 1982. Lelia's professional career in 1987. Since that time, over 900 original paintings have been acquired by collectors from all over the world. CEO's, Politicians, Celebrities, and Exclusive Resorts have commissioned her work. Lelia has had 11 sell out solo shows and has also shown her work in numerous group and museum exhibitions.
Lelia is known as a colorist. She is self taught and uses her instinct to create semblance and balance in her work.
She loves to create oversized, large paintings. They have impact in her opinion. "People have an immediate reaction to her work." says kevin Nunne (Owner-Montage Galleries, HI). Lelias' paintings are filled with fluid, vibrancy. She creates her art from the heart and believes any ability she may have, is a gift from God to be enjoyed. She exhibits in Florida, Hawaii, and Vail CO currently.

Original painting on canvas.
I am a self taught artist. I believe that it is my advantage in my work. Though, I have studied and practiced many practical watercolor and painting techniques, I am still drawn to the unconventional. I love creating work using almost pure pigments. My technique is straight forward. I do use glazing, but am drawn to the simplest approach. If I want a deep cobalt, Instead of layering several pale shades, I just apply the color I am desiring directly to the paper in full strength, most often using several brushed loaded with pigments at one time. It's like conducting an orchestra! I feel that the transparency of watercolor and it's ability to flow, complements my own personality. It is strong, sometimes unpredictable, yet controllable.
I have to have a vision of the painting before I start, as watercolors do not lend themselves to mistakes. They seldom can be re-worked. They are immediate and direct. I would also say that the spontaneous nature of the medium is exiting. That is what my goal is when I create. That all these attributes can be discerned and appreciated by the viewer. Ultimately, I am only interpreting what has already been created. For me, all colors, shapes, forms, wether negative or positive space - it's all Gods creation. I just have the pleasure of sharing and blessed with eye site to see it!

For me, art is total expression. Color, design, & mood are all relative in the moment. Each blank canvas or paper has it's own image meant to be. When I paint, I can see what I am creating before I start. Much of my work is variety. Non typical, and my choices for subject matter are determined in that moment or prompting. My techniques are unconventional with my goal being in each piece to paint an internal expression of how how interpret Gods creation. I love color and to explore any medium thrills me. It's an adventure. I encourage young or new artists to experiment. To express before they choose the subject matter. Find what fits with their very own personal gift and run with it.