Artist Maree creates memories

12 Oct 2017

Maree Robinson is an artist who creates special memories. Using Resene paints, she's hard at work in the lead up to Christmas, painting portraits of pets and people for clients to use as gifts.

When she's not in front of her easel, she works as a theming artist at Rainbow's End theme park in Auckland. "I actually do what I love for a living," says Maree. 

She tells us more: 

What inspires your work?

I love hearing people’s stories. I feel privileged to be able to paint their families and pets and give them a lasting memory. I also like to challenge myself. If I find myself thinking “I could never paint that”, I give it a try.

Tell us a little bit about your journey to becoming a full-time artist. 

I only dabbled in art growing up, and I never actually studied art. My qualification is actually in interior design. During the past 10 years I started having enough confidence to give art a try. Just over a year ago, I was lucky enough to get the position as one of three theming artists at Rainbow's End. 

My own business is called Robinson Creative and I sell my art and other quirky things I’ve made. Gaining knowledge and valuable techniques from my colleagues has given me confidence to reach the point where I am happy to sell a piece I’ve done.

What are the latest pieces you are working on? 

I am working on commissioned pieces right now for clients for Christmas presents to give their loved ones. It’s really fulfilling knowing people like the art I produce.

Any advice for artists wanting to pursue art as a full-time career?

Practise, practise and a bit of practise thrown in for good measure.

Doing the right courses helps, but the biggest piece of advice I ever got was "love where you are at right now". Be proud of what you can achieve at this point in your journey and display it on the wall. And always, always, do it for fun! Art can be really cathartic and very satisfying when we enjoy the process. The art industry can also be very about who you know, so go to galleries, join groups, pursue contacts and schmooze shamelessly.

How do you incorporate Resene products and paint into your work?

We use only Resene paint at work, so I am used to the quality and amazing array of colours that Resene provides. At home, I use Resene testpots to paint my canvases, usually stretched out on the carpet in my lounge (sorry landlord!).

See more of Maree's art work on Facebook and at www.robinsoncreative.design.

Published: 12 Oct 2017