Original Portrait oil paintings & Drawings |
Hyperrealism Art of Maria Abeyesekere

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"I would like to share a glimpse into my journey as an artist—a path shaped by imagination, heritage, and a lifelong fascination with the natural world. From a very young age, I was a keen observer, captivated by the quiet poetry of stars, the rhythm of the rain, and the small wonders that many overlook. As a child, I would rise before dawn and wait beneath an elephant ear plant in my garden, convinced that fairies were painting the flowers and tiny dwarfs were tending to them. I did not yet understand that these early moments of wonder would become the foundation of my artistic life.

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My father’s bedtime stories nurtured my imagination, deepened my love for art, and encouraged a sense of curiosity that I carry with me to this day. As a self-taught artist, I have developed my craft through patience, unwavering dedication, and the belief that careful observation is essential to capturing realism in my work.

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I come from a lineage rich in creativity—my paternal grandmother and great-grandmother were both gifted artists. Art is woven into my heritage, and the ancient artifacts and paintings passed down through my family have always fascinated me. Their history, craftsmanship, and the emotions etched into every stroke and carving spoke to me more eloquently than words ever could.

Born in 1970 and raised in a bustling city, some of my most cherished childhood memories were formed in the serenity of my grandmother’s country home. The sights, sounds, and scents of rural life—the radiant sunsets by the sea, the diverse wildlife, the earthy aroma of burning clay and copra from village mills, and the gentle breeze that moved through coconut groves and paddy fields along Sri Lanka’s Northwestern coast—all ignited a creative spark that has stayed with me throughout my life.

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As a young woman navigating a busy city life, everything shifted when I married and moved to the highlands with my husband and son. Surrounded by sweeping tea estates and abundant wildlife, I discovered a renewed sense of peace, clarity, and inspiration. It was here, in the mist-kissed hills, that my artistic journey truly flourished, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to my craft.

Every brushstroke, every interplay of color, and every delicate detail in my work is a reflection of the landscapes, stories, and emotions that have shaped my life. My art is, above all, a testament to exploration, gratitude, and the beauty that surrounds us. I give thanks to the Heavenly Father for blessing me with this gift and guiding my creative path."

— Maria