Melanie Ponchot has extensively studied and cultivated the craft of oil painting. As a professional since 2001 she has completed over 70 commissions for clients across the Southeast. She is represented by Robert Wilson of Robert Wilson Galleries and has been an award winning exhibiting artist at festivals and solo exhibitions. As a part-time illustrator she has produced three published children’s books. She received her formal education at Auburn University but continued training under Marc Chatov (Atlanta, GA), Ronald Bayens (Opelika, AL), and as a scholarship recipient under the prestigious Nelson Shanks at Studio Incamminati (Philadelphia, PA). Her passion for art is inspired by her fascination with color, her commitment to realism, and her love of the human figure. She desires to teach this difficult and challenging pursuit of excellence in drawing and painting and to continue painting the beauty found in the landscape of the human form. Her portfolio can be viewed at www.melanieponchot.com.