Coastal colour dreams

11 Jun 2025

There’s something undeniably magical about transforming an otherwise bland public space into a vibrant, storytelling canvas. That’s exactly what Melbourne-based artist Melanie Caple achieved in her latest mural, painted in Resene paints for the Vicinity Bayside Centre in Frankston.

Tucked along the Level One South Amenities Corridor, the 17-metre-long artwork is a love letter to coastal living, with painterly seafoam, soaring seagulls and seaside botanicals stretching across the tiled wall.

“It was such fun being able to bring colour into such a usually functional, nondescript space,” says Melanie.

Melanie’s 17-metre-long artwork stretches across the corridor, brightening the space in a mix of Resene Essential Cream, Resene Negroni, Resene Halcyon, Resene Refresh, Resene Tacao,Resene New York Pink, Resene Havoc, Resene Ruck N Maul and Resene Harvest Gold.

Painted in a suite of Resene shades including Resene Negroni, Resene Halcyon, Resene Refresh, Resene Tacao, Resene New York Pink and Resene Havoc, the mural flows with intent. Melanie used colour to guide the viewer’s eye across the entire length of the piece – a deliberate gradient from soft coastal creams and blues through to the juicy warmth of pinks and golds.

“Because the mural was so long, I wanted to use colour to transition along the wall so that it was always interesting and moving,” Melanie says. “Starting with soft creams and blues and finishing up with warm pink tones, the mural evokes the colours and vibrancy of the coast and urban environments coming together.”

The mural is also layered with detail, including eucalyptus leaves and the shadows of kelp, giving the work a sense of movement and subtle natural rhythm. And of course, in true Frankston fashion, there are the ever-iconic seagulls. “Seagulls were a must for Frankston,” she says. “I wanted to get super painterly with them, and they have adapted so incredibly to Frankston’s unique environment.”

Amidst the playful patterns and bold design, the warm hues of Resene New York Pink and Resene Tacao create a pleasing feel in the otherwise stark corridor, while pops of blue in Resene  Halcyon and Resene Refresh add a lively touch.

While it’s hard to pick a favourite section, Melanie admits a soft spot for the bold end of the spectrum. “Getting to the Resene Tacao and Resene New York Pink end with pops of Resene Havoc is like a colour fever dream for me.”

The mural is already turning heads and brightening commutes, adding a welcome sense of artful calm to a high-traffic space.

As for what’s next, Melanie is currently taking on an even bigger challenge – a large exterior wall in Williamstown for Hobsons Bay City Council. “It’s a really nice challenge painting on century-old brick and trying out how some new subject matter can sit together,” she says. “Trying out new ideas at a scale of six metres can be super confronting, but I’m trying not to be too precious and am enjoying the challenge. Everyone else is telling me it’s fine so I think I’m overthinking things as per usual!”

If this mural is anything to go by, we’re looking forward to whatever vibrant story Melanie paints next.

See more about Melanie and her work at Arts Eleven.

Published: 11 Jun 2025