Denise's Statement and Bio
I realized early on how much I enjoyed spending my time drawing and sketching en plein air. When I first started studying art, I could point to the paintings that were done outdoors as opposed to ones done in the artist’s studio. I felt these outdoor paintings had a more authentic expression and had captured the essence of the subject.
I begin by looking for what grabs my attention and in that moment I take my time to go inward and examine what I’m feeling. I am drawn to areas of tangled undergrowth, many coloured mosses or various light effects, all of which have a tendency towards a complicated scene.
Having worked as a graphic designer for thirty years, I’m very aware of how important composition and simplifying the visual elements are. But I don’t want to go so far as to lose the naturalness of the scenery. Often I move elements and I like to say I can move mountains if need be.
In creating a concept and focus, I’m able to hold my initial feelings as I paint. It also allows me to paint in an intuitive spontaneous way with confidence and I’m able to drop deeply into the creative flow. And by dropping out of time like this, I believe is the way one infuses into the painting that elusive feeling that I get when observing nature.
I begin by looking for what grabs my attention and in that moment I take my time to go inward and examine what I’m feeling. I am drawn to areas of tangled undergrowth, many coloured mosses or various light effects, all of which have a tendency towards a complicated scene.
Having worked as a graphic designer for thirty years, I’m very aware of how important composition and simplifying the visual elements are. But I don’t want to go so far as to lose the naturalness of the scenery. Often I move elements and I like to say I can move mountains if need be.
In creating a concept and focus, I’m able to hold my initial feelings as I paint. It also allows me to paint in an intuitive spontaneous way with confidence and I’m able to drop deeply into the creative flow. And by dropping out of time like this, I believe is the way one infuses into the painting that elusive feeling that I get when observing nature.
Bio
Vancouver-based artist Denise Maxwell creates landscapes and still life paintings, working in oils. Her landscapes are mostly done en plein air and then worked up into larger studio pieces.
Raised in Ontario, Denise first studied art at McMaster University, and then moved to Toronto to study Graphic Design at George Brown College. Directly out of college she found work in the silk screen industry. While working full time she pursued her studies in fine art.
After 30 years of working in the silk screening industry, Denise likes to say she created a lot of kitsch that has been shipped from coast to coast. As the industry moved towards digital printing, this allowed for more naturalistic designs using photography and digital painting.
After retiring from her silk screen career, Denise began painting from nature. She looks for what moves her and how best to express what she finds beautiful in that moment.
Denise had solo shows in Toronto before moving west to Vancouver. Here she has also exhibited in a number of solo shows, group shows and participated in local plein air events.
Discover more at Instagram @denisemaxwellart.
Vancouver-based artist Denise Maxwell creates landscapes and still life paintings, working in oils. Her landscapes are mostly done en plein air and then worked up into larger studio pieces.
Raised in Ontario, Denise first studied art at McMaster University, and then moved to Toronto to study Graphic Design at George Brown College. Directly out of college she found work in the silk screen industry. While working full time she pursued her studies in fine art.
After 30 years of working in the silk screening industry, Denise likes to say she created a lot of kitsch that has been shipped from coast to coast. As the industry moved towards digital printing, this allowed for more naturalistic designs using photography and digital painting.
After retiring from her silk screen career, Denise began painting from nature. She looks for what moves her and how best to express what she finds beautiful in that moment.
Denise had solo shows in Toronto before moving west to Vancouver. Here she has also exhibited in a number of solo shows, group shows and participated in local plein air events.
Discover more at Instagram @denisemaxwellart.
