Bellyscapes
Capture the beautiful silhouette of your pregnancy with a Bellyscape painting. Created from your silhouette, this landscape painting portrays the beauty of your pregnancy.
Bellyscapes are oil paintings done by Greenfield, Massachusetts artist Melissa Scheid Frantz. With a simple silhouette outline kit provided by the artist, the process of your Bellyscape painting begins. Melissa will consult with you about your vision for the painting: size, colors, theme, etc. The entire process can be completed through email and phone or in person. Find out more today about how to capture your pregnancy in a unique, special way.
"Melissa made such a beautiful memento of our second pregnancy. Turning my huge belly into a mountain is a wonderful metaphor for motherhood! I love to imagine myself as a the solid physical structure that has created our family. We are very grateful to Melissa for creating something that is so special to us, but that is also a gorgeous and tasteful piece of art."
– M. Oland, Belchertown, Massachusetts
Commissioned Art
If you are interested in having a commissioned work of art, please contact me. |
Frequently Asked Questions
| How do you get the outline of my belly? |
If you live in the area of Western Massachusetts, then I can make an appointment with you to outline your silhouette for you. Basically, you stand in front of a lamp and an outline of your belly is done with tracing paper and a marker. Otherwise, a Bellyscape outlining kit (tracing paper and a stamped returned envelope) would be sent to you and can easily be done with you and the help of another person. You can have your beautiful silhouette outlined at anytime during your pregnancy. |
| What should be outlined? |
It is up to you of what feels most comfortable to have captured in a painting. My paintings are not realistic paintings, but rather a bit abstract; so what may appear as a mountain may actually be a bosom outline. You can either include an outline of your bosom and belly; just of your belly; bosom, belly, and upper thigh; or belly and upper thigh. |
| I’m nervous about doing the outline myself. What if I mess up? |
The goal is to have an outline of your silhouette. It does not matter if the lines are a bit scribbly as long as it is clear what the shape of your silhouette is. Since my paintings have a touch of abstraction to them, there is no need to have “perfectly” drawn silhouettes. Also, the outline kit will include clear instructions with samples and three tracing papers that will give you the chance to try a few times if you wish. |
| How do I decide the “look” of my Bellyscape painting? |
This is the exciting part where your input helps bring this all together. I will contact you to gather your thoughts about what you would like to see captured in your Bellyscape painting: What colors move you? What colors do you associate with this pregnancy? What landscapes inspire you? These are just some of the questions that I will ask you and my goal is to be inspired by you. |
| How can I know how the painting is coming along? |
It is my intention to make sure you are completely satisfied with the painting in its final form. If you live in the Western Massachusetts area, then I would arrange a time with you to see the painting in person. Otherwise, I will send digital photos via email to you for review. I would probably have the painting for your review 1-3 times throughout the entire process. |
| How long do I have to wait for my painting? |
The painting will probably take me 2-4 sittings and then has to be completely dry to deliver. If you are in a rush to have this painting completed, then please allow at least four weeks. You and I would speak in the beginning of this process about timelines. |
| What medium and size will the painting be? |
The painting will either be on paper or canvas, depending upon your choice. All of my paintings are done in oil. Depending upon your choice (and silhouette size), the size may range, e.g., 18" x 24", 24" x 36" or bigger. The minimum size is 18" x 24". |
| How much for a Bellyscape? |
The minimum for a Bellyscape painting is $600 (for the smallest painting size) and will increase depending on size. The cost of the actual painting will be finalized when I talk with you about the colors and size choices. As for all of my paintings, there is an additional cost for insurance, shipping, and handling. If you live in the Western Massachusetts area, there may be no additional charges if the painting is delivered / picked up in person. |
| I’m interested, what do I do? |
Great! You can contact me first via email (mail@artmelissa.com) and I will contact you shortly. Please include your phone number, since telephone will be the best way to discuss your request further. |
|
|
