Posted by on 8/9/2023 to Featured Artists

Featured Artist - Maren Devine 

At Calypso we publish cards by artists from all over the world – tell us where you grew up and where you live and work. 
I grew up in Orlando, Florida and New Orleans, Louisiana and then moved to Dallas, Texas when I was about to graduate high school.

What is your work environment like, do you have a home studio? An ocean view? What sort of music do you like to listen to while you work? 
I have a studio that is in my garage, and I love the fact that it is so close! I have 3 easels set up and listen to Pandora all the time. I love a lot of different music but lately have been loving music from the 70's and jazz. 

How is your day structured as a working artist? 

On most days I go over and return emails and messages in the morning and then work on painting or print orders off and on for the rest of the day. 

How did you begin your career as an artist? 

When I was in high school, I had a wonderful teacher named Mrs. Boone who really encouraged me to do something with art in college. Starting out as a graphic artist and then painting and working for some interior designers in Dallas, I realized I really loved painting and wanted to continue. When our girls were young, I started teaching high school art. which I loved, and met a wonderful mentor, I had always prayed for a mentor. His name was Mr. Dodt and he taught me so many of the things I should have learned in college. Painting was always side work, but I was lucky enough to be able to go full time with it. 

What was your first big success as an artist? 

Probably the most exciting was seeing my posters when I was still working as a graphic artist, as well as some large paintings for hotels- that was a lot of fun, too. 

What inspires your work? 

People, animals, landscapes, the beach, and marshes or just about any water and flowers. 

Are there other artists that inspire you? 

My favorite artists will always be Vincent Van Gogh and John Singer Sargeant. 

What is your earliest memory of creating art? 

When I was very young, I remember I would sketch in my dad's office. He would talk to me about art, and it was so inspiring. My mom was very creative and was always making things, painting, or sewing, so she really encouraged me as well.

What is your favorite medium? 

I love drawing but my favorite is acrylic painting. It is forgiving and fast to dry.  

How has your style changed over time? 

I still like doing very loose studies and I'm a lot more fun with color! 

Of all the cards we publish by you, do you have a favorite? 

Yes, my favorite card is Moonlit Christmas; it is an example of sometimes just getting it right on the first try - which does not happen all the time!


Click here to see Maren's entire collection with Calypso Cards.