Rising Stars: Meet Marie Lavallee of Costa mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Lavallee.

Hi Marie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Raised in Quebec City, Canada, my artistic journey started by taking night classes in oil painting while going to college full time. I eventually moved to Toronto to study goldsmithing. Worked in the jewelry industry as a creative and eventually in management until I retired over 10 years ago.

My goal was to return to my first love, fine art painting, and, once I retired, I resurrected my paintbrushes and spent several years to find my voice and style.

I pay particular attention to the color layering of my subjects. I will find a way to incorporate metal leaf or objects into my art like using metal leaf as a background or into the colors of my subject.

I use abstract backgrounds vs detailed and layered painting of my animals, it helps focus my intentions. Love the freedom of mixed media, as I can use whatever medium tickles my creativity.

My main subjects right now is birds. I can spend days painting the feathers with unexpected effects.

I actively participates in juried art shows, at events like the Beverly Hills Art Show, Art Walk Liberty Station, and many more. I was recently awarded first place in Mixed Media 2D at the Beverly Hills Art Show fall 2024.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle I face is to get out of my own way.

Self doubt and my inner critic is something I’ve learned to manage with care. That inner voice has held me back for too long and now I just paint till my eyes are full of possibilities.

The discipline of spending at least 5 to 6 hours a day in the studio helps me focus on what inspires me.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets my work apart are the semi realistic birds painted on an abstract, calm background. I don’t necessarily strive for a photorealistic bird, but focus on what makes that bird magical.

Painting in acrylic on birch panels is quite challenging and I do love layering colors, mixing them till it’s just right is part of the joy of creativity.

Sometimes the color I want is hard to achieve but by layering opaque and transparent colors results in a better color than originally intended. That is where I find my daily joy.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
One question I get quite often is: Why birds?

I live in a very urban setting and I appreciate when a bird sings or fly by me.

Their coloring can be quite spectacular or quirky and I love observing them.

Isn’t it amazing that they can fly?

Isn’t it amazing that they can sing?

And when they build a nest, they are quite the engineers!

That sense of wonder is what helps me continue on this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: lavarock64@gmail.com
• Instagram: @wittyartstudio
• Other: https://www.wittyartstudio.com

Image Credits
Marie Lavallee