About

Marie Wise in her studio

Marie Wise

“Art touches the depth of my soul and spirit.”

I enjoy filling my paintings with powerful and often feminine subjects. My florals, landscapes and nautical paintings are lush and deeply colored. Design and pattern are very important to my compositions. Although my style is eclectic and varies from painting to painting, I try to capture one reflective moment, punctuated with symbolic elements that portray powerful messages, where viewers can find a connecting emotional bond.

I can look back over the development of my painting style and see that I’ve been profoundly influenced by strong female American painters like Georgia O’Keeffe and Janet Fish. Their independence and strength of will inspires me to always paint what is in my heart. However, my style also incorporates classical techniques used by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, and French Realists such as Bouguereau.

Stretching a canvas

I can’t recall a time in my life when I was not passionate about becoming an artist. While other girls played house, my artistic French mother taught me to paint. My Dad bought me expensive pastel sets and framed my simple drawings. As a teenager my best friends were always paint and canvas. Although I majored in fine arts-painting in college, I consider myself sefl-taught. Over the year’s I’ve mentored with master artists and taken workshops and trainings.

Preparing a canvas

I’ve been involved in numerous group and featured artist exhibitions, and have won many awards. My work is displayed in local restaurants, gift shops, banks, galleries and businesses. Over the years my paintings have been acquired by friends, family, local collectors, businesses and corporate offices. I paint in my studio in Kalama, Washington, overlooking the scenic Columbia River.