We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Ewing and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“No regrets” – I strive to live by this affirmation as an adult. For me, it means not dwelling on things in the past or out of our control and instead focusing on the present and moving forward. Looking back and wondering “why” or “what if” can cause paralysis and weigh you down and won’t change what’s happened. I accept my life experiences as helping make me the woman I am today. With every new challenge, there is an opportunity for growth and learning.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I have practiced law as an attorney in the Atlanta area for over 20 years with a focus on business litigation. I started my career working at one of Atlanta’s largest law firms, then transitioned to a mid-size firm, and for the past 9 years I’ve worked at small boutique firms (first Patel Burkhalter Law Group and most recently Burkhalter Law, LLC).  Just before the pandemic hit, I was fortunate to be among a small team of attorneys joining Brian Burkhalter when he formed his new law firm, Burkhalter Law, LLC.  The past three years have been professionally exciting and rewarding, including my first jury trial after so many years, and I’ve enjoyed seeing Brian’s firm grow.
Interestingly, my pursuit of a career in law introduced me to abstract painting.  I always enjoyed writing and initially pursued law with the intention of becoming an international lawyer while combining my skills in business with my love of foreign language and travel. While studying abroad during a summer in law school, I went to an outdoor market in Brussels and absolutely fell in love with a blue abstract painting. I had no extra money at the time but returned home inspired to create my own rendition of this painting without any painting experience. I bought painting books, a small canvas and paints, and there began my painting journey. Over the past twenty plus years, painting has provided a creative outlet to my career. I love abstract painting for the freedom it provides. I continue to experiment with different styles and techniques, and every firm where I’ve worked knows my for decorating my office with my paintings (even from the beginning). After decorating my office and home and making art for family and friends, gradually I expanded to art festivals, exhibits, and markets.

Looking back, there are distinct periods and influences I see in my art. I am most excited about the direction my painting took in early 2020 when I discovered fluid art and later the SheleeArtStyle. Fluid art connects with me and what I enjoy about painting as an outlet. It was also a lifesaver during COVID when I established a painting routine to keep me sane while working at home for several months. I’m not painting as frequently now, but I still love it every time I do. It’s not my livelihood which is probably why I can enjoy it more (although I’d love to expand my marketing). I find my best paintings are when I just try to have fun and experiment rather than trying to achieve a specific result. I think the same applies to many other things in life – enjoy being in the moment and let things flow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I lived in Midtown over 12 years and loved being in the middle of all the action. But for the past several years I’ve lived in Alpharetta near the downtown area and love the area! If I had a friend in town for a week, we would definitely visit my favorite spots in Alpharetta. That includes a day visiting Avalon to shop the boutiques, watch a movie, have drinks and a meal at The Cape Restaurant and Beach Bar, and possibly enjoy a wine flight at Cru Food & Wine Bar. Another day we would explore the downtown Alpharetta area including lunch at Coalition or Never Enough Thyme followed by walking around the City Center to browse the shops, stop and have a craft beer at Jekyll Brewing and/or a wine flight at Fermented Wine Boutique and tasting room (and possibly buy a bottle of our favorite taste to take home!), and Spanish cuisine and exciting atmosphere at Fogon and Lions restaurant. I would also invite my friend to a dance class at Motus and a splatter paint session at The Splatter Studio in Sandy Springs or Virginia Highlands. Most recently, I had a wonderful visit at the Georgia Aquarium and dining at Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria so that would also be on the list.  Depending on the time of year, I would also include a visit to either Gibbs Gardens or the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. We would also take a trek for a hike at Stone Mountain and spend a day doing a North Georgia wine tour and possibly staying a night or two at a cabin in nearby Blue Ridge or Ellijay.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to Motus Dance Studio in Alpharetta and owner Janine Hunter Simpson. In addition to painting, another creative outlet I enjoy is dance classes. Both provide an outlet for self expression, creativity and escape. When I was younger, I never imagined I would be dancing in my adult life, so it’s very special that studios such as Motus provide this opportunity for adults. Janine also holds a special place in my heart for the opportunity she gave me to display my paintings at the studio. She saw my paintings at an Avalon gallery and reached out to me when she was opening the studio which meant the world to me. She has continued to support and encourage me in all facets of my life. Her decision to take a leap of faith and start a business greatly inspires me. Thank you Janine!

Website: www.melissaewingart.com

Instagram: @melissaewingart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaewingatl/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MelissaEwing

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.