About Maryse

Maryse’s easel and painting materials beside the pool, overlooking the lake at sunset.
Where I paint

My journey into art began at 60, during a particularly difficult chapter of my life.

When my GP suggested I try painting, I thought he’d completely lost his mind! But that Christmas, my husband gave me a set of paints, and I discovered a ten-minute painting tutorial on YouTube.

An hour and a half later, I had my first painting — and the beginnings of a new passion.

I continued learning from artists online before discovering Donna Dewberry’s OneStroke painting, eventually qualifying as a teacher and enjoying the opportunity to share my knowledge with others.

After a particularly intensive period of study, I put my brushes away for over two years. But the desire to create never really disappeared.

When I eventually returned to painting, I wanted to explore new techniques and develop a style of my own. That curiosity led me to the Milan Art Institute’s Mastery Programme, where I continue to learn, experiment and refine my skills.

Today, I love creating beautiful, peaceful worlds with a touch of the unexpected — paintings that invite you to pause, look a little closer and perhaps discover something you hadn’t noticed at first.

What began with a box of Christmas paints has become a journey of discovery that I never could have imagined.

And I’m still learning.

A journey in paint

Maryse’s first painting: a snowy mountain landscape in a spiral-bound sketchbook.
The beginning: my first painting
Maryse’s white tiger painting, with blue eyes and a snowy mountain setting.
Continuing to learn: the white tiger