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