After earning her Fine Arts degree in 2009, Melissa Matamoros took a little detour before fully embracing her calling as an artist just three years ago. Nestled in the lush mountains of southern Costa Rica, Melissa finds endless inspiration in the nature that surrounds her—a living, breathing teacher that fuels her creativity and adds a dash of Costa Rican joy to each piece. Her vibrant, smile-inducing art often hides little surprises, inviting viewers to keep discovering new elements with each glance. Working primarily with acrylics (perfect for the Costa Rican humidity), Melissa plans her pieces down to the finest detail. Her process is a blend of scientific precision and artistic intuition. She meticulously compiles databases of birds, colors, and shapes, crafting digital sketches that guide her brush in the studio. And once she starts painting, it’s pure flow—a journey from one "imprint" of inspiration to the next. Melissa hopes her time in Sol Gallery will be a stepping stone for both herself and her fellow Costa Rican artists to make waves internationally. When she’s not painting, she’s likely curled up at home with her husband and dogs, indulging in a good series. Friendly, meticulous, and devoted to her craft, Melissa brings color, joy, and a touch of magic to every canvas and to our team at Sol Gallery.