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My Blog
A weekly reflection from artist and business owner, Melissa Mitchell on the beauty found in everyday moments, the power of community, and the stories that connect us—all seasoned with heart, humor, and the occasional recipe.
I’m often asked about the studio tools I use most, so I’ve gathered my favorite art supplies and home comforts here for you to explore.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Color Stories from Shore to Sea
Discover how 2025’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, brings coastal warmth and grounding to island-inspired homes—and why forecasters predict Transformative Teal will be the next wave in coastal design.
Melissa Mitchell
2 days ago3 min read
Riding the Wave: TGSA and a Legacy in Motion
In this week’s The Art of Island Life, we’re sharing a story where surfing, art, and community meet on the same wave. The Texas Gulf Surfing Association (TGSA) has been chosen for Texas A&M–Corpus Christi’s ONE DAY campaign, pairing student creativity with a mission to grow and inspire surfers of all ages.
Melissa Mitchell
Aug 193 min read
From Beach Days to Back-to-School Days
In this week’s column, we’re talking fresh starts, celebrating our neighbors at Island Family Eyecare, sharing under-$20 gift ideas for that favorite teacher, and getting ready for our Wine Down Wednesday grand finale on August 20.
👀 Don’t miss this week’s scavenger hunt clue—it’s a wise one.
Melissa Mitchell
Aug 123 min read
The Art of Keeping Cool: Pets + People
Keeping cool on the coast? Padre Island Art Gallery & Prancing Paws offer breezy tips for summer fun—plus this week’s gallery clue!
Melissa Mitchell
Aug 43 min read
Breakfast on the Beach and Treasures in the Sand
In this week’s Art of Island Life, Melissa Mitchell shares a peaceful beachside morning, finding treasures in the sand, and sharing the next clue in the Padre Island Art Gallery Summer Scavenger Hunt—reminding us to pause, breathe, and find joy in simple things.
Melissa Mitchell
Jul 283 min read
✨ On the Cover: A Moment of Gratitude and Community ✨
Discover the story behind Melissa Mitchell’s feature in Island Living Magazine, where art, storytelling, and island life come together. Explore her creative journey, inspiration, and coastal community impact.
Melissa Mitchell
Jul 262 min read
The Art of Summer Gallery Fun: Let the Games Begin!
Join the First Annual Summer Gallery Scavenger Hunt at Padre Island Art Gallery—weekly clues, prizes, and a grand art-filled finale you won’t want to miss!
Melissa Mitchell
Jul 213 min read
Watercolor In Open Air: The Art of Light and Lines by Al Kline
Discover Al Kline’s award-winning Boat Yard watercolor series at Padre Island Art Gallery. Explore how this plein air artist captures the light, lines, and spirit of coastal life with masterful precision.
Melissa Mitchell
Jul 173 min read
The Art of Giving: Supporting Driscoll Children’s Hospital Toy Drive
July 10, 2025 Every child deserves a reason to smile. That’s the simple, beautiful idea behind the Kaylee’s Light Toy Drive, now in its...
Melissa Mitchell
Jul 102 min read
The Art of Summer Celebration… and Fresh Peach Pie (with recipe)!
Celebrate the season with a fresh peach pie recipe that tastes like summer. Sweet Texas peaches, creamy filling, whipped cream—this is tradition, homemade and heartfelt.
Melissa Mitchell
Jul 25 min read
The Art of Layers: Spotlight on Artist, Bonnie King
Explore the art of layers with Bonnie King—vibrant coastal paintings, bold textures, and a new encaustic series blending cyanotype, botanicals, and light.
Melissa Mitchell
Jun 263 min read
Painting the Story: The Art of Light and Color by Jeanette Nickas
Discover the art of light and color with Jeanette Nickas—peaceful oil paintings that tell a story through vibrant hues, quiet beauty, and coastal inspiration.
Melissa Mitchell
Jun 193 min read
The Art of Island Adventure
Rediscover the joy of Island adventure—through the eyes of children, beachside wonder, and the everyday magic that makes coastal living unforgettable.
Melissa Mitchell
Jun 123 min read
The Art of the Peaceful Island Morning
Embrace the art of the Island morning—quiet walks, coffee by the shore, and the creative calm that sets the tone for summer days on Padre Island.
Melissa Mitchell
Jun 63 min read
The Art of a Good Conversation
Explore how art creates quiet connections and meaningful moments and good conversation—through shared stories, deep reflection, and the power of simply pausing to feel.
Melissa Mitchell
May 303 min read
The Art of Mystery: Calling All Artists for Our First Annual Incognito Art Show
Join the fun at Padre Island’s first Annual Incognito Art Show—anonymous 5x7" artworks, local talent, and creativity for a cause benefiting Kaylee’s Light.
Melissa Mitchell
May 233 min read
The Art of Summer: Nurturing the Next Generation of Artists with Summer Art Camp!
Sparking creativity at Padre Island Art Gallery’s first Kids Summer Art Camp—five days of fun, hands-on projects designed to inspire the next generation of artists!
Melissa Mitchell
May 163 min read
The Art of Kindness: One Woman’s Gift of a Whimsical Flower Garden to the Island
Discover how one Island woman’s whimsical garden at Aquarius Park has become a heartfelt gift to the community—rooted in kindness, color, and joy.
Melissa Mitchell
May 93 min read
The Art of Motion: Nathan Floyd’s Journey from Surfing to Dynamic Coastal Art
Discover Nathan Floyd’s colorful connection to the coast—surfing, photography, and dynamic coastal art painted with surf wax combs and inspired by the motion of waves, nature, and the rhythm of Island life.
Melissa Mitchell
May 23 min read
The Art of Warmer Days: What Summer Vibes Inspire—Recipes for the Kitchen and the Studio
Celebrate the spirit of summer with coastal art, island inspiration, and a nostalgic banana pudding recipe that captures the season’s warmth and creativity.
Melissa Mitchell
Apr 254 min read
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