Art is medicine for the spirit

A quiet place to rest


Medicine Circle Membership

Step into the circle

Explore soulful, nature-inspired artwork rooted in presence and self-kindness

You and your art are welcome here


create soulful artwork

Create soulful, nature-inspired art — sometimes through portraits, sometimes through simpler, more intuitive forms, always rooted in presence and self kindness.

learn from earth's wisdoms

We all belong to this earth. It is ancient. The trees, stones, oceans, rivers, mountains, animals, birds, and our ancestors all have medicines for us. Create art inspired by this beautiful earth and what it has to teach us.

meet yourself with kindness

Many of us carry an inner voice that questions our ability or compares our work to others. When that voice gets loud, it can make creating feel hard to begin. Inside the Circle, you’re invited to meet yourself with kindness — to create gently, even when uncertainty or fear is present.

be inspired

Feeling a bit stuck? Choose from short art sessions or dive into full length art lessons and courses. Inspiration is there for you when you need it. There is no right pace here.

A few moments from inside the circle

Within the circle, art is a approached as rest


Here, you’re invited to:

  • accept what comes, just as it is
  • to go slow, to not know, to pause, to arrive imperfectly
  • create with kindness and self-trust
  • make space for art, even in tired or tender times
  • reconnect with your own voice, without comparison


We practice listening — to the earth, to our creative rhythm, and to ourselves.

Medicine is... a ritual that nurtures the spirit

Medicine is...an experience that teaches us

Medicine is...the animals, trees, stones, birds, ocean, earth…

Medicine is…an activity that soothes the nervous system 


Engaging in a creative practice is medicine regardless of the 'product' that is created. Explore different medicines of art and creativity with lessons designed to engage your playful side, find serenity, build bravery, and connect to your inner truths. 

I'm here with you

Hello, I am from the Squamish First Nation in Vancouver, Canada. My ancestral name is Tiyaltelwet, passed down from my great-great-grandmother. I live and work in my community, drawing from traditional teachings and ancestry in my art practice. I am also of Scottish ancestry. I believe we are all creative in our own way, and I’m deeply passionate about creating gentle, supportive spaces for women to engage with art-making. I am an experienced teacher and a trained Expressive Arts Practitioner. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute lessons to large, collaborative online art courses alongside artists I deeply admire, including Tamara Laporte, Ivy Newport and Kara Bullock. These collaborations have been a meaningful way to share art as a supportive, connective practice with a wide community of creatives. My 27 years of work in Indigenous health, along with experience in curriculum design and instruction, inform how I design my lessons. I guide the creative process with care — step by step — always mindful of pace, nervous system, and self-kindness. I believe art can be a place of rest. My work is grounded in nature, reflection, and the strength of women.

Melanie Rivers

I walk alongside you, so you can express what is in your heart.


I teach skill and techniques gently, in service of presence and self kindness so process remains nourishing. 

In the Medicine Circle, you’ll find:


  • Mixed-media and portrait lessons offered with care, supporting both skill and self-trust
  • Short lessons for days with limited time, and longer sessions for slower, richer creative days
  • A private, welcoming community space for connection (sharing is always optional)
  • Inspiring projects to gently focus your creative energy
  • A growing library of art lessons and courses to return to anytime
  • Downloadable resources and quiet supports along the way


Our art doesn’t ask us to be better or different.


It can simply be a place to rest — where we meet ourselves as we are, and begin from there.

Purchase Medicine Circle Membership

Start exploring

Give yourself the gift of creative rest. Immerse yourself in soulful artwork and earth’s wisdoms, moving at your own pace. You’re free to come and go, and cancel anytime.
Step into the circle here

Techniques We Explore

  • expressive brush marks
  • capture the story of your piece 
  • sketch front facing, 3/4 turned and profile portraits 
  • bring the eyes alive
  • explore colour
  • learn painterly style approaches
  • paint with monotone, face colours, and non-typical face colours
  • use stencils, geli plates, collage, fabrics, build texture, layers
  • use different substrates such as wood, paper, cardboard...


I share techniques as a way to build artistic vocabulary— giving you more ways to express what you are already feeling and noticing. 



Kind Words from the Community

"Being a part of the Medicine Circle is a gift on so many levels...spiritually, emotionally, creatively, and more." -- Brook Mckenzie


"Melanie is such a gentle soul with so much to give. She is very inspiring to a healthy practice involving mind, body, spirit in an artful way." -- Lynn Roberts


"Melanie is REAL and amazing. She truly understands the human spirit and the need to become part of nature and life." --- Mariana


"I thoroughly enjoyed learning. You were very precise with your instructions. You gave generously of yourself and of your knowledge. Your videos were full of details and information. I also like the pace with which you explained and approached the class. I didn't feel overwhelmed or feel burdened that I had to "get" it.  -- Anne-Marie Dekker

"Being a part of Melanie's artist orbit has given me many things. It has built up my confidence to tackle projects I would have avoided in the past. She has a kind, gentle spirit that is reflected in all that she creates. I love the projects due to the use of many types of mediums. The end result is so well worth the time spent". -Michel Puckett (artwork by Michel)
"The Medicine Circle is amazing. Melanie is so generous is sharing. The art sessions are the perfect length for nurturing your soul every month. It is set up in a way that you can take a break within a session and continue later. I'm so happy she started the group." -Sabrina de Jonge (artwork by Sabrina de Jonge)
"Highly recommend the Medicine Circle. The growth I’ve experienced in my creative process from consistent support and practice with Melanie has been unreal. Paradigm shift even in how I understand what my process is". -Deborah Wagner (artwork by Deborah)

Frequently Asked

  • What supplies do I need? And do I need them all?

    I use a mix of supplies in the Medicine Circle... acrylic heavy body, fluid, inks, pencil, charcoal, watercolour, collage papers, fabrics, ..... The supplies you have on hand are the right ones! I provide supply lists outlining the ones I used, plus suggestions for alternatives.

  • I'm new to drawing and painting, will I be comfortable to participate?

    Absolutely. I love to introduce women to mixed media and portraits. There are many who are newer at art and also many a few years along and more. I provide step by step guidance and there is a library of technique videos. What's most important is enjoying the process of painting and learning along the way. Every one is it a different place in their journey, so be careful not to compare.

  • What if I fall behind? or don't have a lot of time?

    The membership lessons and courses are there for you when you have time. You can dip into different lessons/courses at your own pace. The lessons and projects will vary in length and you can see ahead of time how long the lesson is. I've also created short sessions that can be done in a 10-20 min timeframe. So, pick something you have time for and enjoy!

  • Is it just portrait lessons?

    No. While heavily focused on portraits, we explore a range of subjects and techniques.... animals, birds, collage, figures, abstract.....

  • What is the duration of the membership?

    You can join monthly. If you only want to join for a month or two you can. You can cancel anytime.

  • Can I cancel anytime?

    Yes. It is easy to cancel your membership anytime within your account. You do not even need to contact me. There is no pressure to stay if you need to take a break and you are always welcome to return.

  • What currency is the price in? How can I pay?

    The price is in USD and it will be converted to your home currency each month based on the exchange rate that day. Unfortunately, as a small business, I am not able to offer in multiple currencies and only accept credit cards at this time. Please note that while the price is in USD, I am a sole entrepreneur who is Indigenous/Canadian and the platform I host the membership on (Thinkific) is a Canadian business.

  • What if I am not satisfied with the Medicine Circle?

    There is a 14 day money back guarantee so you can see if it is the right fit for you at this time. Just contact Melanie for a no questions asked refund.

  • How long do I have access to the lessons?

    You have access for as long as you are a member. It is like a Netflix or gym membership and the price is based on what a person can feasibly do in a month vs the full value of all the courses and lessons in the membership.