Melanie Fain Will Be Featured At The Hunt Gallery In A Show Called "Windows on the Natural World."

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts can treat their spirits this month to a glimpse into nature as art in San Antonio, Texas. From February 8 to March 8, 2007, the work of Texas Hill Country artist Melanie Fain will be featured at the Hunt Gallery in a one-woman show called "Windows on the Natural World."

A well-known artist in the United States, Melanie Fain's etchings and watercolors depict birds, botanicals, and insects. Fain's work is a sensitive and elegant portrayal of creatures in their natural habitat, as viewed through her own eyes in the wild, and in the wildlife setting of her home on seven wooded acres. Says Melanie of her work, "I have always been drawn to nature - it is my livelihood, my recreation, my comfort, my home. It is who I am and what I know best. My goal in my art is to capture the essence of how I feel about a particular subject and share that emotional connection with my collectors."

The etchings are hand-printed, then hand-painted with watercolor or pastel, making each one unique. Fain's work has garnered top awards throughout the country and can be found in both public and private collections from coast to coast. Each edition is limited to 100 signed/numbered etchings, with 10 artist proofs.

This is the first San Antonio show since Fain developed her new genre of work using a multiple plate process. The process gives the etchings a unique and distinctive look. There is no other wildlife artist in the United States doing this style of etchings.

One unique feature of Fain's etchings is the "printmaker's chop" - a mark or seal created with an embossing tool in the margin or edge of an etching. The symbol is a mark of authenticity - in this particular case, Fain pulls her etchings on her own press, as indicated by the rattlesnake tail chop that appears beside her signature. As Fain tells it, "I felt the rattler chop was unusual and would be a symbol not readily used by anyone… symbolic of starting my professional art career in South Texas. Twenty-five years later, I am still a printmaker, pulling my own fine art etchings of the natural world that people love."

The Windows on the Natural World show will be featured at The Hunt Gallery, located at 4225 McCullough Ave in San Antonio, Texas. Hours are Mon-Sat 9-5. The gallery will host an Artist Reception/Opening on February 8, 2007 from 6 to 8 p.m. Call (210) 822-6527 or visit http://www.huntgallery.net/