Melody A. Krafft sold every painting at her first exhibition. She was five years old. Since then, her work has competed in National Tour Exhibitions, won awards, has been displayed in the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri State Capital building, and in both public and private collections. As an artist and published author, she is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators.

Today she focuses on children's illustrations, pet portraits and fine art. Melody also loves to create whimsical illustrations. She works in three different mediums, watercolor, pencil/charcoal and oils. Her mission is to express the essence of the subject, and views every painting as an act of respect for life. Melody works in both realistic and whimsical styles.

Melody’s portraits make wonderful gifts and are a lasting family keepsake. They can mark special occasions such as celebrating an anniversary or birthday, or appreciating someone special.

Her illustrations are wonderful for adding a special decorator’s touch to a nursery or child’s room. Your child can become the central character in a magical wonderland that expresses his or her dreams. Please contact Melody for a unique portrait of your child.

More About the Artist. Ok, now that the formal introduction is over, I’d like to share this with you—I love what I do. Inspiration for my illustrations comes from my friends, family and my dogs, and even toys. Some of my characters are based on chewed and earless toys lying around the house. Anyone with animal companions knows there’s always a squeak toy under foot.

I also love to paint animals and nature. Painting portraits — whether it is of an animal or a person, or even a family's home — is immensely satisfying. It is wonderful to see the look on a parent's face when they see a portrait of their child, or a family receiving a portrait of home and family pet. Portraits truly become family treasures.

Enough about me. You will want to look at the sections you are interested in — fine art, pet portraits, people portraits, home portraits, and illustrations.

So, I will leave you here with one of my favorite thoughts, Attitude is everything—so pick a good one! Have a wonderful day.