Hi. I'm a working artist, illustrator, and art educator. I graduated from Auburn University with a BA in Studio Art, then trained classically for a few years before launching my career as a contemporary realist painter. I spent a decade doing portraits and gallery work before transitioning into the field of Illustration. I've illustrated products, children’s books, surface patterns, and prints. My side-hustle since 2006 has been teaching Classical Drawing, Painting, Portraiture, and Illustration at metro Atlanta art centers. I've been the K-8th art teacher at a wonderful private school in Roswell for the past three years. I complete my Master's degree in Art Education from Piedmont University in May 2025.

I love coming alongside students, helping them discover their artistic voices, and encouraging kids to engage in playful curiosity while making art.

When I'm not busy creating art, you can find me snuggling my dog, hiking with my husband, or dominating [destroying] my three kids in competitive four-square. 

 Visit MelaniePonchot.com to check out my studio and illustration work.