Artist’s Spotlight
Em-Em Malaluan Santos
Mhernamelle’s genuine passion is centered on painting, which she not only considers her vocation but also her livelihood. In addition to her artistic pursuits, she manages a small business focused on crafting exquisite crochet items, charms, and crystal accessories.
Mhernamelle (Em-Em) Malaluan Santos is a 49-year-old mother and accomplished painter. She holds a degree in Fine Arts from FEU Manila, specializing in Advertising Arts. After completing her education, Mhernamelle spent three years working in the corporate world.
Her artistic journey has been profoundly influenced by her fascination with vibrant colors and captivating flowers, which have become her preferred subjects. Mhernamelle has honed her skills in rendering these subjects using various mediums, including colored pencils, ballpoint and gel pens, and acrylic paint. What draws her to flowers is their symbolism of happiness and prosperity, evoking a profound sense of positivity and upliftment every time she applies her talents to create these natural wonders on canvas.
Mhernamelle’s affinity for nature as her primary muse can be attributed to the inspiration she derives from renowned artists like Fernando Amorsolo and Vincent Van Gogh. These masters have left an indelible mark on her artistic journey.
Fernando Amorsolo, with his unique choice of colors characterized by soft, cool tones of ochres and yellows, has profoundly impacted Mhernamelle’s artistic style. His paintings not only capture the essence of Filipino culture but also serve as a testament to his distinctive use of color. Another luminary who has left an indelible mark on Mhernamelle’s artistic journey is Vincent Van Gogh. His bold and imaginative use of yellow within his color palette has captivated her. Mhernamelle admires Van Gogh’s artistic brilliance, particularly his ability to employ unique brushwork that imbues his paintings with a sense of visual movement and dynamism.