Mary Kersell

Artist Statement

I paint contemporary oil and watercolour landscapes that balance realism with abstraction. When I paint, I try to relive the feeling I experienced in a beautiful landscape—the breathtaking sense of calm that nature inspires. My work is not just about capturing the view but about conveying the essence of the place: the scent in the air, the feel of the wind, the quality of the atmosphere. Often it's a small detail that sparks my memory—the play of light on a cliff, a sweeping distant view, the warmth of a humid summer day, or clouds flying across the sky. My goal is to create a shared experience with the viewer, inviting them to step into these moments and feel what I felt.

Biography

I have been painting for enjoyment for 25 years, beginning as a self-taught artist with no formal training. For many years, I worked exclusively in watercolour, but in the past five years, I have expanded into oil painting. The rise of online courses has given me the opportunity to learn from artists around the world and refine my approach to composition, technique, and materials. Painting is a journey of lifelong learning for me, and one of its greatest rewards is the friendships I’ve made within the creative community. Sharing ideas and inspiration with other artists is a true joy. I live in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, where the landscape continually inspires my work. My paintings are exhibited locally at the Gallery on Lincoln and with the Lunenburg Art Gallery Society.