Interview

Sep 22

Melanie Kluger

Melanie Kluger is the artist behind Lemons and Ink, where she turns beloved pets into expressive watercolor portraits with plenty of personality. Inspired by the little quirks owners know by heart, her work celebrates the animals we never quite stop loving.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My career has always been creative, from costume design, styling, and creative art direction. Then I found watercolor and it felt different. It became more than just a passion. Painting animals gave me a way to express something I loved while also creating something meaningful for other people. I realized the purpose was in the process, not just the finished piece.”

What inspires you?

“I’m inspired by personality more than perfection. It’s usually the little things, the tilt of an ear, a familiar expression, or some tiny quirk that only their ‘person’ would notice. I also love the unpredictability of watercolor. It keeps me from overthinking and makes every piece feel a little different.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“Connection is probably the biggest theme in my work. I love the idea that a painting can hold a relationship, not just an image. Pets become part of our routines, our memories and our families, and I want the work to reflect that sense of closeness in a way that feels lasting.”

Which artists influence you most?

“I’m honestly inspired by so many different styles of art, and a lot of them are very different from what I make. I recently went to the fashion exhibit at the Met and found it incredibly inspiring. I love seeing how other artists and designers use color, texture, shape and storytelling. I think inspiration can come from anywhere, not just work that looks like your own.”

What is your creative process like?

“It always starts with a furry subject and a good reference photo. From there, I sketch in the important details but leave plenty of room for the watercolor to do its thing. I start with a loose wash and then keep adding more and more detail, building up the darker tones as I go. Somewhere in there I usually forget what time it is, and have to ignore all my other responsibilities because once the painting starts to come together there is no stopping! The eyes are always the turning point for me. Once those details go in, the whole personality clicks into place and I feel like you can tell the essence of the subject on a deeper level.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“I’m not sure artists have one specific role. Sometimes art is meant to challenge you, sometimes it tells a story, and sometimes it just makes you happy to look at it. I think that all has value. As our world becomes increasingly digital, I also think handmade work and the human connection behind it will become even more meaningful.”