About me

Who:

I am a Brisbane based artist who has been painting predominantly in watercolours for nearly 20 years. (wow, where has that time gone?) 

Why:

I paint because it makes me happy.  It is a joy to create.  Every painting is a challenge, like a puzzle that I must try to solve, and particularly with watercolours, this keeps me on my toes.  Watercolour is so alluring, fresh, luminous and exciting and I never tire of its fluid seduction and spontaneity.

I just have to paint, if I don’t, I don’t feel complete.  It’s as if these paintings are inside me and if I don’t get them out I will simply explode!

For me, the greatest gift art can give, is that it helps me to see the world with new eyes.  Everything can become a wonder.  God has created a beautiful world and I would just like to portray some of that wonder.

If I can pass on some of that joy to others then I am even happier.

What:

I tend not to adhere strictly to any particular style, subject, size or surface, even working in other mediums.  I think I get bored too easily.   I am always trying to push myself, my skills, my understanding and my excitement of art.  Without growth, we stagnate.

Subjects that inspire me usually have elements of light/shade, colour, pattern or texture and therefore can each require their own unique treatment. 

I love creating clean, transparent watercolours, ranging from loose to realistic.  It is such an exhilarating, challenging medium.

Inks used like watercolours are another wonderful water media and even less tameable!

I love the texture and thickness of oils. (as well as the smell of the turpentine.)

I enjoy the smoothness of acrylics and often use them like watercolours.

Drawing is an engaging and therapeutic expression.

Life drawing and Plein air painting (painting outside) are a wonderful way to really view the world around me and to attempt to capture the images I see.

Abstracts are a unique way to combine my knowledge of the “what” of good painting (elements and design principles) with the emotion of painting directly from my feeling and instinct.

I have won over 78 awards, including 21 Firsts and have been selected 3 times to exhibit in a major show in Fabriano Italy.

My works are held in private and corporate collections throughout Australia and worldwide, and I have been featured many times in the Australian Artist magazine. 

If you would like to read the articles you can view them here... http://paradox.com.au/mariafieldart/media.html