About the Artist

Nature and people, though often seen as separate, are intimately woven together. I wish to express that connection and sense of spirit in my watercolour and mixed media works; sometimes with bright colours, sometimes with much softer washes, but always with a lot of light. My works come from landscapes I’ve immersed myself in or still life compositions of natural elements I have assembled in the outdoors or in my studio. I am also inspired by particular animals, such as chickens, sheep and seagulls.

Whether it be a forest, a river, an ocean, or a garden, I find that landscapes have an inner language that whispers of connection, spirit, and home and so allow our hearts to rest and be inspired at the same time. My art is an exploration of this relationship between humans and the natural world, catching moments in which children and adults alike are enjoying time in nature which brings them joy and inner peace.

Biography

Originally from Québec, Maryse moved to Edmonton, Alberta in 1980. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology at the University of Alberta and worked in the field of medical research in Edmonton and Calgary.  Answering a life-long desire to create art she attended watercolour painting classes and many workshops in the Calgary area, in Edmonton and in Jasper.  Since 2001, Maryse has concentrated her efforts on her role as a mother, volunteer and nature advocate all the while pursuing her passion for watercolours. She helped develop a series of workshops in Edmonton through the Société des Artistes Visuels de l'Alberta, inviting artists from around Canada to teach at their studio. 

Maryse moved to Ottawa in 2007.  After deciding to work exclusively as an artist, she established a home studio as well as pursuing her certificate at the Ottawa School of Art, where she now teaches.  Her style keeps evolving with the discovery of new techniques & media, being anywhere between realistic to expressive. Light, and the contrasts it creates, nature, people and big colour are her main inspiration.  Her works are in private collections throughout Canada and the United States.