ABOUT

Melanie Francis Islamic Fine Art

I have always been drawn to the traditional Paradise Gardens of Islam. As the child of an engineer and a botanist growing up in India, I visited many such gardens, each an oasis of symmetry and abundance. These sacred spaces—born from a desert religion that imagined paradise as a lush sanctuary—embody a profound cosmic order and a deep sensual beauty.

My work interprets the dual themes of solitude and connection found in these gardens. Their symmetrical design evokes a sense of the infinite, linking the human to the divine. I focus on creating contemplative, enclosed spaces that speak to the senses—sight, touch, and spirit.

Using traditional and historic biomorphic shapes and patterns, I weave geometric references into my compositions, combining bold lines and vibrant colours inspired by Indo-Islamic styles. I work with natural pigments, gouache, gold, and gemstones on handmade papers, using traditional techniques learned in the studios of Ajay Sharma in Jaipur and at the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London.

My artistic journey has been shaped by a life immersed in the cultural richness of India—its temples, stepwells, music, crafts, and rituals. Later, my time living and traveling in the Middle East deepened my connection to the visual and spiritual languages of Islamic art.

I paint using a selection of natural pigments, gouache mixes, golds and  gemstones using traditional methods on handmade papers.

  • Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) Bali

    Neka Art Museum Ubud Bali Green

    Olive Arts Tetouan Morocco 

    Albany Center Gallery 

    American Watercolor Society Buffalo

    AKG Museum Show NY

    Ann Arbor State Fair Michigan

    University of Georgia- Athens St Louis Watercolor Soc. 

    Louisiana Watercolor Soc. 

    New England Watercolor Soc. National

    Watercolor Show USA

    Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society  

    Naples Art Gallery Florida 

    Watercolor USA Honor Society 

    Ontario CraY Council 

    Toronto City Hall Art Shows 

    Queens Quay Harbourfront Toronto

    Vasco Da Gama Cultural Centre Brampton  

    Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolor  

    Fine Art Gallery Vancouver 

    Ontario Society of Artists Shows 

    Art & Letters Club Toronto 

    John Aird Gallery Toronto 

    McMillan Art Gallery Toronto 

    City Hall North York 

    Justina M. Barnacle Gallery

    Art Museum University of Toronto 

    Ring Gallery North York  

    Mississauga City Hall Art Gallery 

    Art Etobicoke City Centre 

    Windjammer Gallery Bermuda 

    City Hall Gallery Bermuda 

    Bluck’s Gallery Bermuda  

    Arts Centre Dockyard Bermuda 

    Bridge House Gallery St. George Bermuda

  • Paintings in collections in UK, USA, UAE, France, Portugal, Canada,  Bermuda, Morocco, Mexico, India.

  • Grumbacher Watercolor Awards 

    Watercolor West Juried Show Award 

    Pittsburgh Water Color Society Award 

    San Diego Watercolor Society Award 

    Artis Gallery Award Naples Florida 

    North West Watercolor Society Award  

    Philadelphia Watercolor Society Award 

    West Texas Watercolor Society Award  

    Southern California Art Association Awards

  • Louisiana Technical University

    The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts London UK

    Gemmology Associations UK & Canada

    Master Gemologist Appraiser GIA USA

    GIA Jewelry Designer, Silversmith, Pearl and Diamond Certification

  • “Moth motifs and semi-precious stones strategically placed in paintings on ancient paper salvaged from crumbling temples in India. Islamic script beneath sacred geometry detailed out in gold leaf and jewel tones, brush strokes delicate and precise. Poetry and screen printed silks besides uniquely crafted jewelry and fine details bring to life a new understanding of intersectionality. My view of the genius of Melanie Francis’s art.”

    Sylvia Hayward, Georgia USA

  • “Following years of extensive travel and study in the Middle East, Melanie invited me to preview paintings being prepared for an exhibition in 2015. I pre-purchased a most striking kaleidoscope-like image, inspired by the highly ordered designs of ancient Islamic gardens, as viewed from above. A variety of both subtle and bold motifs, highlighted in rich colours, are placed graphically within a pattern of intersecting walkways. The use of silver and gold paint creates a further level of interest as it reflects the daylight. This picture is an absolute feast for the eyes."

    Peter Carpenter - Bermuda

  •  “I knew Melanie's artwork as I was a “follower” of work that I had seen in Bermuda, and on Facebook. I found this fellow artist quite fascinating with her passion for colours, patterns, exotic travels, and beautiful details captured, on her journey of life long learning. I really admired her control of the intricate, pattern filled, colourful combinations on the body of work she produces. All of which are just stunning. At a Gallery show, in Bermuda, I was struck by one piece in particular that I knew I just had to have it! The piece had all of my favourite blues and greens, touches of gold and  accented little gemstones for sparkle, in a simple white frame. The Harmony of colour, skill of the artist and Bermuda colours set in an exotic pattern. WOW. For me, Art should be collected because you "just love it” and be enjoyed every day. This patterned painting has traveled with me from Bermuda to the south of France, and still gives me a jolt of pleasure with every viewing.”

    Rhona J Emmerson Jégun Mid - Pyrenees France

  • “My first experience of acquiring a piece of Melanie’s artwork was many years ago when she painted a portrait of our then 4-year-old daughter. The process was simple; Melanie took photos of the subject at play in her own environment in Bermuda and, within a few weeks, we were the proud owners of an enchanting watercolour, perfectly capturing our daughter’s mood and personality and delighting her doting parents and grandparents for years to come!”

    Hilary Philip - Hamilton Bermuda