An Interview with Marie Louise
“Like many people, I have been influenced and inspired by fairy tales, cartoons, films and children’s books; especially the Alice in Wonderland stories.” – Marie Louise Wrightson
Biography
Marie Louise graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone School of Art, in Dundee, in 2005. Having done her degree in Fine Art and then her Masters, Marie's modern twist on a very fine art style has gained her an excellent reputation.
Marie paints from her summer house studio which has become a shrine to the great British seaside. Collected over many years numerous novelties make their way into a variety of her paintings. Born in Lincolnshire but having lived in Scotland for the past twenty years, Marie is inspired by precious childhood memories of visits to the seaside as a young girl in Hunstanton and later visits to Weymouth and Whitby where she would be spellbound by an array of enticing & mesmerizing colourful sweets in shop windows, dazzling sights and sounds to be savoured at amusements and merry go round rides.
Marie's figures enjoy playful novelties and tempting indulgences, she embraces the fun and fantasy, having remained in touch with her childhood spirit. Unique memories are visualised into the personality of the female figures within the paintings, the use of still life objects which the figure may be holding or have arranged around her.
Hi Marie Louise! What are you working on at the moment?
I paint almost every day and am currently painting a new collection based around Alice in Wonderland, High Tea, cakes and flowers for my next solo show.
What motivates you to create?
I love creating. As a child I spent most of my time drawing and painting and haven't stopped. I was delighted to gain a place at Duncan of Jordanstone School of Art, spending 4 years there and gaining a BA(HONS) and MFA in Fine Art. I'm very lucky now to be painting full time as an artist showing my works in galleries across the UK.
How has your style developed over time?
My style has developed a lot over the last 16 years since leaving art school. I have long been influenced and inspired by fairy tales, cartoons, comic books, cult films and children's books.
This amalgamation of popular culture has resulted in the wide range and eclectic mix of paintings you see today in my collections.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
My main artist influences are from my love of old children's picture books. I'm a huge fan of Arthur Rackham, John Tenniel and Kate Greenaway and love the Pre-Raphaelites, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Ford Madox Brown.
Is there a specific environment or material that's integral to your work?
My most favourite environment is the sea, more the Great British Seaside. I’ve created many seaside paintings based around the bucket and spade, stick of rock and shells collected from the beach. Very much my happy place.
What is a typical day like for you as an Artist?
I'm in my studio most days painting and creating. My summer house space has become a shrine to the great British seaside. Collected over many years, my space is full of seaside novelties, many of which will work their way into my paintings.
So, my day consists of plenty of tea and coffee, toast and cakes, and lots of painting.
Describe your ideal working environment.
My ideal working environment, I am lucky to say is what I have right now. I just wish I was closer to the sea, and it would be perfect. I love sitting on the beach with my sketchbook, people-watching and sketching found objects, ie shells, pebbles, sea glass and seaweed, all full of inspiration in their own way.
Any top tips for getting inspired?
I’m always looking around me, taking lots of photos of places, objects and art that interest me. I love to be inspired.
Finally, if you could meet any other Artist past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could sit down with one artist for a coffee and a chat, it would be with Sir John Tenniel, who illustrated the original Alice in Wonderland books. I have a huge collection of Alice books by many artists, but always go back to the originals for inspiration.
Marie Louise’s work will featuring as part of our Urban Art Exhibition, starting 23rd September. All of her artworks exhibited can been viewed on our website too.
Marie Louise is currently accepting commissions through Smart Gallery. Please email Smart Gallery at sales@smartgallery.co.uk for further details.