Melinda Vahradian is a native Californian, who now resides on the beautiful California Coast. Born and raised in the Mojave desert, Melinda’s first award winning piece was a finger painting done in the first grade.  Melinda studied Social Ecology in college, and went on to get both a Multiple Subjects teaching credential and a Learning Handicapped Specialist credential as well. While teaching Special Education, she told people she was a watercolor painter, but just hadn’t done it yet.  She is married, and has three grown sons. While her sons were little, she decided to take a leave from teaching, and gave watercolor painting a try!  She called her efforts “Naptime Productions”, and painted right at the kitchen table.  She took a Parks and Recreation painting class, and also studied with Elizabeth Kincaid.  She has participated in Open Studios in Santa Cruz for more than 15 years.