Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Melissa Sharplin discovered her passion for realism early in life, first experimenting with acrylics and sketching before evolving into a distinctive Pop Art–inspired style in her twenties. Guided by mentor Michael Mischewski, she honed her signature dry-brush oil technique, creating velvety, luminous surfaces and richly layered compositions that combine technical mastery with expressive elegance. Her works often fuse fashion-inspired aesthetics with bold, commanding presence - portraits and narratives that balance beauty, emotion, and contemporary symbolism.

Sharplin describes her creative process as an intuitive dialogue between the subconscious and the canvas. Each painting, she explains, “has its own history - its own personality.” Her practice celebrates authenticity and freedom, channelling energy from lived experience, imagination, and human connection into each piece. With a loyal following of collectors and collaborators across New Zealand and abroad, Melissa continues to evolve her practice, blending fine art, design, and storytelling to create works that feel both timeless and unmistakably modern.

Melissa Sharplin B.Des, FTech. Art Boss Art; Director. melissa@artboss.art