Primarily self-taught, my artwork is centered around our relationship with the natural world. As a lifetime student of Feng Shui, I want to convey the importance of how we are all interconnected. Nature gives us life and nourishes and sustains us. It is our responsibility to treat nature with respect and return to it when we can. In our very busy lives, with many distractions, being surrounded by nature reconnects me to my soul and revitalizes me. It is in nature that I feel renewed and inspired.
My goal is to rekindle memories that would make you escape the busy-ness of the modern world. To be able to reflect back into simpler times and happy memories. A time to just " be ".
Each painting is a memory to our connection to Mother Earth, with the hope that my paintings take you back to your special moment and the many stories in between.
To see a wee video of my studio, click here.
Marissa is a passionate and accomplished artist whose deep connection with nature is evident in her stunning landscape paintings. As an elected member of the prestigious Society of Canadian Artists, the Ontario Society of Artists, and an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and East Central Ontario Art Association, Marissa has solidified her position as a prominent figure in the Canadian art community.
With a background in Economics, Marissa's journey to becoming a landscape painter was a unique one. After spending several years in various corporate roles, she discovered her true calling and pursued her artistic aspirations wholeheartedly. Since 2002, Marissa has been sharing her expertise by teaching art workshops in the vibrant art hubs of Toronto and the Durham Region.
Marissa's art is more than just brush strokes on canvas; it represents a profound message of reconnecting with nature and finding solace in its embrace. Through her paintings, she endeavors to evoke nostalgic memories of serene moments, providing an escape from the relentless demands of modern life.
In 2019, Marissa's talent and dedication were recognized when she was selected as one of the 18 artists to compete in the inaugural Landscape Artist of the Year Canada competition. This exciting TV series, which premiered in February 2020 on CBC and Makeful Cable channel, further showcased her extraordinary abilities as a landscape artist.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges for many, but Marissa saw it as an opportunity to adapt and grow. During this difficult time, she embraced technology and began teaching art online, allowing her to share her knowledge and skills with students from around the world.
Marissa's contributions to the arts community did not go unnoticed, and in 2021, the City of Oshawa honored her with the prestigious Professional Artist Award through the Oshawa Culture Counts program. This recognition further cements her status as a respected and influential figure in the local artistic scene.
Currently, Marissa serves as the Past President of the Society of Canadian Artists, reflecting her dedication to supporting and nurturing fellow artists in their creative journeys.
I am inspired by the vast beauty of our natural world. Here in Ontario, Canada where I live, I am drawn to the beauty of our provincial parks and conservation areas. Algonquin Provincial Park is one of my favorite destinations and the numerous lakes, creeks and forests inspire me.
However, you do not have to go far away to find inspiration. I find unexpected beauty in creeks and marsh land in and around the Durham Region, rural pastures and farmlands. As a matter of fact, the creek on the ravine behind our home has been a muse for several of my plein air paintings. Nature surrounds us and I am grateful.
My process usually starts by painting my surface with a red wash. Once dry, I grid the whole canvas into 9 equal squares to get a general sense of my composition and focal point. Then I draw in the outline of my landscapes with a chalk pastel and seal it with acrylic paint.
I usually start painting in loose gestural abstract shapes, using a big brush and covering most of the foreground and focal points first. Later on in the process I work in the details with a smaller brush, glazing layers and adding texture with a palette knife.
Painting outdoors has always been a part of me. When I was in my younger years, I used to bring a set of sketching pencils and draw outside in my garden. Somehow, watercolour and poster paint came outside as well and I painted happily under a canopy of trees. Now, I bring my oils with me when I paint outdoors.
Painting on-site brings you up close to the scene you are trying to capture into a two dimensional world. You feel everything! Your senses are on high gear, all tuned to your surroundings. You feel the landscape.
When I am painting, my response to a particular experience and place grabs me and it is all so very personal and intuitive. This is something you cannot really break down into a formula. You have to experience it. Then from all my experiences in painting, I edit, simplify and find ways to bring the romance of the experience into my work.
Something magical transports me outside-of-myself when I am painting outdoors and this experience transcends into my paintings. I hope you enjoy them.
I have a few videos about Plein Air on your YouTube Channel. Here is one video talking about my plein air backpack! Click here and enjoy!
One of my most memorable highlights for 2020 was the launch of the inaugural TV show, Landscape Artist of the Year Canada! To be selected as one of the 18 finalists to compete in this non scripted show was absolutely an honour and a thrill! It challenged me to paint in an unknown location, amidst interviews and surrounded by production crew, competing with top caliber artists for 4 hours. The whole experience provided me with a sense of accomplishment and a whole roster of new friendships! You can stream all 4 episodes on CBC Gem.
Another highlight was my very 1st Plein Air Retreat held last October 2020. Nothing compares to the wonderful time shared painting with fellow artists and sharing with them the experience of painting outdoors!!! This year will be more exciting as we are growing a good community of plein air artists. I hope you can join me next year.
(for complete CV please email)
2023
Society of Canadian Artists’ 2023 Open International Online Juried Show, Toronto
2022
Society of Canadian Artists’ 2022 Open International Online Juried Show
Federation of Canadian Artists’ 2022 Small Exhibition, Vancouver
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