Meet Melissa Lakey
Melissa’s work is a vibrant celebration of the American Southwest, deeply influenced by the wide-open spaces, starry nights, and the hardy, magical animals that thrive in the desert. Growing up with a childhood dream of becoming a cowgirl, she now lets that nostalgia gallop through her paintings—populating her canvases with "floating cowboys," three-legged pink coyotes, and smiling roadrunners. Her style is characterized by a playful, loose approach that prioritizes joy and experimentation over rigid planning.
A self-proclaimed lover of art materials, Melissa works in mixed media, often blending gouache, ink, acrylic, oil pastel, and colored pencils. She embraces the "happy accidents" that occur during her process, using organic textures and vivid colors to capture the specific moods of the desert, from the long purple dusk of summer to the electric anticipation of rain.
Melissa has exhibited her work in solo and group shows across the United States, including her 2025 solo exhibition, “A Home in the Sun,” at Hey There Projects in Joshua Tree. Her illustration work adds a whimsical, unexpected element to a wide range of products, from stationery and homewares to bedding and apparel. Her list of clients includes the LA Times, Compendium Live Inspired, Schoolhouse, Harper Wilde, and Headwest Prints.
For Melissa, making art isn't just a career; it's an ongoing love letter to the places, creatures, and moments that remind us the world is a beautiful place worth celebrating.
“I wanted to be a cowgirl when I grew up but ended up an artist instead, and now cowboys ride through my paintings, picking flowers and stopping to swim in every creek they pass.”
-Melissa Lakey
A Brushstroke for the Future
We are thrilled to announce that Founding Artist Melissa Lakey is currently in her studio creating a one-of-a-kind original piece exclusively for our March 17th Kickstarter launch. Known for her vibrant, soulful celebrations of the American West, Melissa is translating the spirit of the Karma Ranch herd into a work of art that captures the essence of our mission. This exclusive piece will be available as a special reward for our Founding Stewards, allowing you to own a tangible part of our history while directly funding the infrastructure of our 250-acre sanctuary. Mark your calendars for March 17th—this is your chance to bring the "Magic of the West" into your home while helping us build a legacy of healing.
Want a head start?
Discover the magic Melissa is bringing to Karma Ranch by exploring her current work below.
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Visit Melissa Lakey’s website to purchase her artwork and support her directly.