Interview
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.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“The exhibitions that have meant the most to me have combined something deeply personal with a wider public experience. Daddy’s Bread, part of my degree work more than twenty years ago, explored grief, memory and the loss of my father. It was immersive and interactive, and I can see now that many of the themes I’m still exploring were already present then. More recent exhibitions and live painting experiences have continued that connection between the personal and public. I’ve also received international opportunities, including selection for Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. I chose to pursue residencies at Cortex Frontal and Arraiolos in Portugal, and in 2027 I will undertake a residency with Hambly & Hambly in France, culminating in an exhibition. Another exciting development has been seeing my work reach an enormous audience online. My Instagram community grew from around 14,000 to 86,000 in five weeks, with two painting videos reaching around three million views. Ultimately, I’m drawn to exhibitions and experiences with depth — personal, interactive and powerful.”
Website: lemonsandink.com
Instagram: @lemonsandink
