Finding Inspiration on Georgian Bay: An Artist's Stay at Skipping Rock Cottages
When abstract artist Melanie Cheung arrived at Skipping Rock Cottages this spring, she wasn't just looking for a getaway.
She was looking for space to create.
What followed was a weekend filled with family, fresh air, creative exploration, and the creation of a beautiful original artwork inspired by the colours, energy, and serenity of Georgian Bay.
We sat down with Melanie to learn more about her artistic journey, what inspired the piece she created during her stay, and why Skipping Rock became the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with creativity.
Meet Melanie Cheung
Tell us a little about yourself and your journey as an artist.
"My journey has been anything but linear," Melanie laughs.
Melanie is a Canadian contemporary abstract artist of Chinese and British descent based in Hamilton, Ontario.
While creativity was always part of her life, thanks in part to a talented grandfather who taught art lessons to his grandchildren, Melanie initially pursued a different creative path.
She studied Fashion Design at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) before building a successful career as a fashion designer in Montreal, where she lived and worked for nearly 12 years.
It wasn't until the pandemic that painting returned to the forefront of her life.
"I started painting again as a way to do something for myself. At first it was just a creative outlet and something that felt meditative. I started sharing my work online and gradually people began reaching out to purchase pieces."
What began as a personal hobby quickly grew into a thriving art practice. Today, Melanie exhibits her work across Ontario and has made visual art her primary professional focus.
Discovering Abstract Art
What drew you to abstract painting?
Interestingly, Melanie originally turned to abstract art because she thought it would be easier.
"I used to create more figurative and realistic work, but I would become so obsessed with every detail that I'd completely burn myself out."
Abstract painting challenged her in a different way.
"There's no rulebook. You have to let go of control and trust the process. As someone who's naturally detail-oriented, that was actually pretty scary."
Over time, that challenge became part of the appeal.
"I realized that colour, movement, and intuition were what I was most drawn to. The more I painted, the more I learned to let the work evolve naturally."
Creating at Skipping Rock
When Melanie arrived at Skipping Rock, the landscape immediately became part of her creative process.
"It was early spring, so there were moments of rain and clouds, followed by bursts of sunshine. Every time the sun came out, the colours completely transformed."
Working outdoors on the deck overlooking Georgian Bay, she spent several mornings painting while observing the shoreline, water, rocks, and changing light.
"I was staring at the grass, the water, the rocks, and noticing all these subtle shifts in colour. Some areas felt muted while others looked almost neon when the sun hit them."
Rather than creating a literal landscape painting, Melanie focused on capturing the feeling of the place.
"I wanted to paint the energy of being there. The calm. The pause. The sense of being present."
The Art of Letting Go
Melanie's painting process is as much about patience as it is creativity.
Using heavily diluted acrylic paint, she builds her pieces through multiple translucent layers.
"I'll paint a layer, let it dry, then come back to it. Sometimes the hardest part is not touching it and letting the painting do its own thing."
The process mirrors the philosophy behind many of her works.
"It's about relinquishing control and allowing things to unfold naturally."
A Family Getaway to Remember
While art was a major focus of the trip, family was equally important.
Melanie was joined by her partner, parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece, nephew, and extended family members.
"What surprised us most was how much space there was."
With family members spread between the Log Cabin and Loft, everyone found room to relax while still coming together for meals and activities.
"The kids absolutely loved the games room and exploring the property."
One particularly memorable moment involved her 12-year-old niece.
"She actually became my content creator for the weekend and filmed a lot of the painting process," Melanie laughs.
The timing of the stay also held special meaning.
Both Melanie and her sister-in-law's sister were expecting their first babies, making the family gathering even more memorable.
"It felt like the perfect opportunity to slow down and spend time together before everything changes."
Describing the Finished Piece
If you had to describe the painting in just a few words, what would they be?
Melanie pauses.
"Serene."
She explains that while she initially considered adding more layers and complexity to the piece, she ultimately decided against it.
"My experience at Skipping Rock felt peaceful and uncomplicated. I wanted the painting to reflect that."
Rather than capturing specific trees, water, or landscapes, the final work became a reflection of a feeling.
"A fleeting moment. A pause. A breath."
What's Next for Melanie?
Melanie continues to exhibit her work across Ontario and online.
She will be participating in the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair as an online exhibitor and is also releasing a new collection through Tacit Collective.
For those interested in following her artistic journey, be sure to visit her website and follow her on Instagram to see upcoming collections and exhibitions.
INSTAGRAM: @melaniecheungstudio & partnership video
A Final Thought
At Skipping Rock, we believe creativity flourishes when people have space to slow down, reconnect with nature, and simply be present.
Melanie's experience captures exactly what we hope every guest discovers during their stay: inspiration is often waiting in the quiet moments.
Sometimes all you need is a view of Georgian Bay, a little extra breathing room, and the freedom to create.
Looking to partner or book with us? Contact our team today!