Marie Spaulding presents a portfolio of colorful and engaging wildlife portraits, inspired by her love of nature. See more of her work by visiting her website.
“Pure at Heart German Shorthair Pointer” oil and mixed media on canvas, 11”x14″
I was born and raised in Maine. I still live here today, where my art studio is rooted. Maine has always shaped me. The woods, the quiet, and the wildlife outside my window are part of my everyday life and deeply woven into my work.
“Step into Destiny Bison” oil and mixed media on canvas, 16” x 20″
I’ve been fascinated with animals for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was always drawn to them—their presence, their personalities, and the quiet ways they communicate. That connection never left me, even as my path as an artist unfolded in a way that wasn’t exactly linear. There were twists, pauses, and changes along the way, but the desire to create and my bond with animals kept pulling me forward.
“Flourishing Spirit Puffin” oil and mixed media on canvas” 18” x 24″
Nature, wildlife, and animals are my constant source of inspiration. Pets hold a special place in my heart as well. The loss of my beloved Yellow Lab, Lily, deeply impacted me and strengthened my connection to the animal world. Since then, every animal portrait I create carries a deeper sense of presence, emotion, and meaning.
“Speak from Your Heart Black Bear” oil and mixed media on canvas, 24″ x 30″
Over time, my style has evolved into what I describe as abstract realism. For each painting, I work with a wide range of mixed media techniques and materials, including graphite drawing, collage, spray paint, stencils, markers, acrylic washes, and layered acrylic paint, all finished with oil paints. I’m especially focused on the balance between transparent and opaque layers, letting each one build on the last.
“Watching Over You Red Deer and Raven” oil and mixed media on canvas, 24″ x 30″
My paintings always begin loose and chaotic. At first, there’s a lot of movement, marks, and uncertainty. As I continue layering, the subject slowly reveals itself and becomes more refined. That process is where the magic happens for me—watching an animal come alive on the canvas. It allows me to be fully expressive while creating rich visual texture that invites the viewer to look closer.
“Stillness Within Owl” oil and mixed media on canvas, 18” x 24″
Living in rural Maine, I’m constantly reminded why I do what I do. I often see wildlife right outside my studio windows, and those moments ground me and fuel my creativity.
“Reflection of Spirit Raven” oil and mixed media on canvas, 18″ x 24″
My goal as an artist is simple: to keep connecting people to nature, one brushstroke at a time.
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