Meet Melanie Kluger | Watercolor Artist

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

Hi Melanie, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always been creative and artistic. Art has been a part of every career I’ve ever had. When the pandemic hit, I took up watercolor as a form of self expression and to decompress and it took off so naturally. I loved this style of painting so much that I started painting every night. Pretty soon I was having people ask me to paint something for them, and the first time I posted about my art I received 30 commissions over night. It felt like the world was telling me to pursue this art and I decided to listen. It’s been such an incredible journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been someone who has been known to look on the bright side. I’ve been known to find the positivity in any situation and truly embody the saying “making lemonade out of lemons”. When the pandemic first hit and I started painting, it felt like I was really able to embody this sentiment. Finding this love for painting and turning it into a business in an uncertain time felt like a silver lining. On top of that, we ended up moving at the same time. Our house has a big, beautiful lemon tree right out front, something I have wanted for years and years. So I decided to name my business Lemons and Ink after that whole experience and truly making lemonade out of lemons. I think it’s important to note that so much of having your own business is consistency and trying things that you haven’t done before, knowing that there is a learning curve. I’ve learned so much about taking risks, letting go of perfectionism and trusting that I’ll figure it out as I go!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love showing people around San Diego! Being a New Yorker, I have lots of family that comes to visit and I of course have my favorite spots. I would start with a morning hike in Torrey Pines or the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail and then some breakfast and coffee at Great Maple. Then I would take them to explore Balboa Park. I feel like you could spend days and days there alone! Then I would grab some smoothies at Parakeet and show them around Coronado. It’s got such a great mix of nostalgia and charm. Such a pretty beach spot too. I’m a big fan of Little Italy, so after a day at the beach, I would spend the night walking around that area. There are SO many great spots for drinks and dinner, but if I had to pick I would take them for drinks and oysters at Ironside and dinner at Herb and Wood or Juniper and Ivy. The next day we would stay in North County where I live and check out the Botanical Gardens. Such a gem that I love going to different times of the year with my kids. Lunch at Nectarine Grove is a must if you are gluten free like me, and dinner is a toss between Buona Forchetta or Ken’s Sushi. I could go on and on. I love where I live so much!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friends and family have been so supportive of my journey. It’s been so helpful to have people in your corner who give you an extra boost of confidence. My first commissions were from friends who believed in me, and without them I don’t know if I would have believed I could have the business I have today. My husband Andrew is truly so wonderful at believing in me and my talent and I am so grateful for him!

Website: https://lemonsandink.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca3CqlfvUJP/

Image Credits
Merrill Melideo