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Melida Kirkup
Artist information
Hello, I’m Melida Kirkup.
I am a Nicaraguan-British artist based in Stoupourt-on-Severn. Drawing has always been my way of understanding the world around me and reflecting on my inner emotional landscape. I work mainly with graphite pencils, as well as mixed media, soft pastels and watercolour, allowing each piece to develop naturally and intuitively.
My work explores portraiture and the emotional states behind it. I am especially interested in capturing the essence of people, blending likeness with emotion, memory and subtle abstraction. In my drawings, I often focus on carefully rendering hair with a high level of realism, using it as a quiet yet powerful element within the portrait.
Alongside portraiture, I am deeply inspired by places that have shaped me. I create drawings and paintings of houses, streets and landscapes that have left a personal impression on me, both in the UK and abroad. I often work from my own photographs, as I also enjoy amateur photography. Through these works I try to capture the quiet beauty of everyday spaces and the stories they hold.
My practice is closely connected to the way I live. I believe in kindness, slow living, and finding beauty in simple moments — being surrounded by nature, listening to birdsong, walking, observing and taking time to notice the small details of life. These values naturally find their way into my work, which often carries a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
In addition to my drawings and paintings, I also create handmade jewellery using precious metals. My jewellery follows a minimalist approach inspired by organic forms.
Creating art is both a personal and reflective process for me, and I’m grateful to share that journey with you.
Website and social media
melidakirkupart
Melida Kirkup Art
https://melidakirkup.wordpress.com