Introducing: Marie Brown
Where are you based?
I live in Nottingham.
What mediums do you work in? Pencil, Pastel and Watercolour. I have worked solely in Graphite Pencil for almost 20 years, but I pushed myself out of my comfort zone a few years ago when I started dabbling with Pastels and Watercolour. Introducing colour alongside my detailed drawings has been a big learning curve, I’m so pleased I did it though!
Which artists do you admire or have influenced you? Canine graphite artist Mike Sibley has been my biggest and continual influence. I began my art career drawing Pet Portraits, and Mikes realistic style was a huge inspiration and source of learning. Artists that have inspired me since I began working in colour are Pastel Artists, Jason Morgan & Emma Colbert. Watercolour Artists; Yong Chen, Rachel Parker Varner, Maria Racynska, Louise De Masi.
What's the most important thing you've learned as an artist? There’s no right or wrong way to paint or draw. Learn from other Artists, but it’s more important to practice and find what works for you. We all see and interpret things differently, that is what makes an Artist recognisable in the way they create their art.
What is your favourite piece of your own work and why? My Daisy Girl painting. It’s got all my favorite things, daisies, the colour yellow, a sunny blue sky, and the little girl looks like my 1st child when she was young. I don’t paint landscapes, (yet) so I’m also proud I painted something that wasn’t an animal!!
What would your dream job be? About 18 years ago the idea of becoming an Animal Artist became a vague possibility in my head. I feel very fortunate to finally be working as an artist full-time, something I never thought would be possible. I have never been more motivated than I am now that I am doing this professionally. Becoming a Wraptious Artist is a tremendous step forward in my Art journey.
Favourite quote! “The world has music for those who listen.” This quote was on a sign hung on a tree, in our local woods during the pandemic. Among other quotes, this one stood out to me and has always stuck in my head. I love to listen to the sounds of nature.
What three things would you take on a desert island? A reclining comfy chair, Rum (to make Pina Colada) and my dressing gown, because I can’t live without it and I might get cold, even on a desert Island? It’s all about comfort!!
You can find more of Marie's work on her Wraptious page.