Maureen Maryka

Creativity in one form or another has always been a force in my life, either through art or music or design. It has only been in the last few years that my desire to create has led me to the world of painting. Each painting is a unique and fascinating experience, playing with colour, light and design. I strive to learn and improve and, most importantly, enjoy myself for many years to come.

Maureen Maryka was raised in Calgary, attending the Alberta College of Art, University of Calgary, and completing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Victoria. She is married with two children, and is fortunate to have a holiday cottage at Quadra Island, B.C., which provides much inspiration for painting.

Maureen works mainly in acrylic and oil, enjoying each for its unique properties. She has been greatly influenced by the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, the Group of Seven and many current local artists.

She believes colour and light are the essence of painting. Nature often provides us inspiration and the perfect palette, and the artist’s attention to light can make the colours dance on the canvas. Like the impressionists, Maureen’s work often portrays visible brushstrokes, a suggestion of movement, and the idea of taking an ordinary subject and creating something extraordinary from it. She believes it is the artist’s job to create an emotional response from the viewer.

Maureen is a member of the Calgary Sketch Club, Calgary Community Painters Society, and Chinook Artists. In the past few years, she has taken painting courses at the University of Calgary, ACAD, as well as a sixteen week session with Catherine Gerus. She has attended workshops with Jerry Markham, Brent Laycock, Rick Berg, and Brian Ateyo.

Exhibitions:

Elveden Centre – November ’07, February’08, Nov.’08, Feb.’09 Juried Shows Simmons Building East Village Open House – December ‘07 Woodgreen Church March ’08 Juried Show for Calgary Community Painters Calgary Sketch Club Shows – Dalhousie Community Centre, Woodgreen Church Calgary Community Painters Shows – Triwood Community Centre Chinook Artists Show – Crescent Heights Community Centre