Melinda Goode

Melinda Ponder Goode Born and raised in Mountain Brook, a suburb of Birmingham, AL, I’ve loved art and nature since a young child. I’m so grateful to my parents for instilling in me a love of the outdoors through camping, birdwatching and living in a home surrounded by nature. I earned a degree in Graphic Design from Auburn University in 1987. Transparent Watercolor was my favorite course at Auburn. I remember my professor telling me, “Let the water do the work.” I’ve never forgotten his words and credit him with the foundation for the success and joy I have found in painting today. After college, I was a staff designer and artist for Oxmoor House, the book division of Southern Living. Later, I became a full time mom of four boys. This was indeed the best job I ever had! After years of raising the boys, I found myself teaching preschool and working in Special Education at our local elementary school. I retired early to reconnect with my art and have never looked back. I paint with watercolor and gouache in my home studio located in Indian Springs Village, just outside of Birmingham. I paint primarily birds and animals. I’m so inspired by their beauty and unique personalities. I try and capture the finest details and combine those with loose, expressive brushstrokes, hopefully creating the sensation of movement or the most peaceful stillness. I hope each piece will bring a sense of wonder and beauty, that’s so readily found in nature, into my clients’ homes. Please follow me and my art on Instagram @MELINDAPONDERGOODEART