Odette
As an avid art lover, I never get tired of discovering an artist for the first time. I first saw work by artist Maren Devine at one of our local boutique’s Crossings on Main. I was instantly attracted to the artist’s color palettes which vary between calming pastels and bold hues.
Along with her ‘Warrior Girl’ series Maren also paints beautiful abstract florals, figures, and artwork reflecting her travels. In this post, you’ll have a chance to get to know Maren and find out which of the paintings from her ‘Warrior Girl’ series is my personal favorite that I’m hoping to add to my personal collection.
When did you first discover your love for art?
Growing up my Mom was always doing something artistic; she would sew and stencil and keep us occupied with materials to draw and cut and make handmade little paper dolls with clothes. There was always something to make and I loved it.
Are there artists who inspire you?
I am most inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, Monet, and John Singer Sargent. It’s not just the art, but their stories that inspire me as well.
I always love a varied color palette with a mixture of pastels and pops of bright color. How do you decide on the color palette for a particular piece?
Usually, I just have a blank canvas or paper and start with an idea. I used to use a lot of photos, but now I just start drawing or painting and see what happens. Most days I’m working on several pieces at once.
Tell me about a typical day in the studio.
Well, every day there is something going on, but most days I paint for a while in the morning and then leave it for a while to spend time with my daughters or walk my German Shepherd. Then it’s back to work! There is always music playing in the studio because that inspires me as much as anything!
You paint several different subjects from abstracts and florals to portraits and figures. What drew you to these subjects in particular?
The marshes are a favorite and are usually painted from the memories of seeing them growing up in Florida. Our family would set out in a station wagon in the morning for a day at Daytona Beach. I loved looking out the window on the trip as much as being on the beach. Figures and flowers are just something I love to paint and draw.
Your portrait series is titled, ‘Warrior Girls.’ What inspired the title of this series?
The Warrior Girls came about as a result of having a couple of very sad years in my life due to loss. I had no desire to paint and just prayed a lot for guidance and inspiration. I was literally painting through the tears and then they kind of took a life of their own. So I love the Warrior Girls; they represent strength and resilience. There is a verse in Proverbs that says, “She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.” That really resonates.
I have just started a new series with the Warrior Girls; I’m doing the States and have just completed the first three which are the states I have lived in; Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. I’m working on Georgia next, so we will see how this goes!
I’m absolutely in love with the painting titled, ‘Odette.’ What did you enjoy the most about creating this particular piece?
Thank you! You know I just start with a sketch and let the paint go from there. Odette was inspired by the Impressionist color palettes, and I wanted a calm and serene feel.
Out of all of the paintings you’ve done, do you have one that has meant the most to you as an artist?
I always go back to a little painting I did in high school on a beach. It won Best of Show and was stolen by another student! My art teacher was wonderful, her name was Mrs. Boone and she had the girl return it. I let her know I was very flattered that she wanted it. To be honest I have no idea where that little painting ended up!
What is the most rewarding part about being a full-time artist?
I think that any work we do can be rewarding and being an artist is no different. There are days when everything falls in place and other days when it’s frustrating and uninspired and just WORK. But it is wonderful to be able to paint almost every day. I am so grateful.
One of your Warrior Girls ‘Sara’ was featured on the cover of Sassee Magazine. How did you feel when you saw your artwork in print?
Oh, I LOVED seeing Warrior Girl Sara on Sassee Magazine. Just happy and excited!
Website: https://marendevineart.com/ // Instagram: @marendevineart
All images in this post are via Maren Devine Art.
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