Melissa Tenholder, Artist

The before and afters say it all for this one! The exterior facade has a more cohesive, richer look with some faux wood painting. Some neighbors drove by to see what was going on! 😁

It's always a challenge to touch up damage on a faux finish that I didn't do originally, and don't have the leftover paints. One of my favorite things to do is restoration and color matching. Don't stress if this happens to you, and you'd like to keep the wall finish!!

Loved creating this textured heart canvas! I could get used to this style of painting, which is unusual for me! If you could see the decor, and meet the family, this piece really fits right in! Can't wait to see how the finished room looks.

A little floral painting on a Wednesday. I also antiqued the frame. Wish I had remembered to take the before!🤦🏼‍♀️
If you move, and your favorite things don't work for your new decor, paint can make a huge difference.

Just as versatile as a little black dress, so is this little black chest!😃 All of these brown pieces got a fresh look as the before and afters will show. Some new hardware always updates the look. Consider painting before replacing!!

This piece got a lighter look with an ivory antiqued finish, which hilighted the distressed texture of the wood. It's amazing what paint can do!

7 months after our renovation, I got around to painting my own outlet covers, and I only have two!😂 Penny tile is definitely challenging to replicate, but I'll still appreciate the cleaner look after I stop being my own worst critic. 😂😜

When your school gets an accreditation for early childhood education from NAEYC, it should be added to the murals I painted in 2016 and 2017. It was nice to see these murals again in person, and hear how much the staff and students have appreciated them. Congratulations Bethesda!

My client is selling these canvas paintings I created for her last year. She wants to go with larger pieces in this space. These are 30x60 each. Please let me know if you or anyone you know might be interested, and I'll put you in touch with my client. Thanks!!

When you open the front door, and boom!! This stairway reflects my client's style and vibe. Even Coco the dog loves it! Stair risers are an unexpected and fun place to add color or detail, especially if your foyer is small and leads up to great spaces above.

When you open the powder room door and see something unexpected!🤩
I am honored to have been asked to paint this mural for my brother and sister in law. ❤️

My view from work today. This place is so gorgeous!! The colors are inspiring. 👩🏼‍🎨

Enjoying a lunch break so much more with this beautiful view! Grateful for the opportunity to do some painting here.😍

Painted a sugar skull for a lil local MOCO competition for my friends Brian and Chip at Outta The Way Cafe el Jimador Tequila

Happy Halloween!! Handmade jellyfish costume... cowboy hat, clear salad bowl, led lights, glue gun, and various ribbon/tulle.

Haven't done faux marbling in a minute, and never on a shower ceiling! There's a first time for everything. 😁

Had perfect weather this week to work on this Maryland flag mural. I love the way it came out if I do say so myself!😊

Loved working with my client to come up with this Chanel, Sephora, and graffiti inspired powder room mural. Bonus out of my comfort zone moment... I got to make a mess throwing paint at the walls!😁

Some detail pics of the finished mural. Each classroom that may use this gym is represented with their corresponding sea animal. So fun!!

It's always bittersweet to finish a mural. The jellyfish were the last part. They are fascinating creatures, and really fun to paint.

Spotlight on the otters from my mural this week. The whiskers are my favorite!

Back at it! The Goddard School
Painting another mural in their other gym space! Here are some of the beginning pics....

When the color fades on your favorite bathing suit, time to get crafty with some Rit dye! 👙🌞
DOLL Swimwear Looking forward to next summer!

The porthole mural is finished. The kids (and staff) at The Goddard School Stamford CT are loving it! Had a great time painting this one.

Some pics of the last two days progress. The classrooms at The Goddard School are named for each animal in this mural, which is in one of their gyms.

The beginnings of a mural at The Goddard School in Stamford CT
3 portholes for their aquatic theme.
I'm so excited to be here working on this!!

A sweet baby room mural inspired by the family's love of Pawley's Island, and the little turtle table seen here.

Abstract painting is usually so out of my comfort zone, but my client and myself are happy with how these two canvasses came out! I used Venetian plaster spatulas and modeling paste to create them both, no brushes were involved!!