top of page

ABOUT MARIA


I want to share a little bit about myself and my journey as an artist. I am not just an artist, but also a keen observer who finds joy in staring at the stars and the rain. Ever since I was a young child, I had a wild imagination. I would wake up before dawn and eagerly wait under an elephant ear in my garden, convinced that fairies were painting the flowers and dwarfs were tending to them. Little did I know that those magical moments would inspire me to become the artist I am today. My dad's bedtime stories fueled my imagination and sparked my love for art. I truly believe that observation and patience are key ingredients to mastering realism in my work. Being a self-taught artist, I have honed my skills through practice and dedication.
 
I come from a lineage of talented artists, with my paternal grandma and her mother having a knack for creativity. Art runs through my veins and has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I found myself captivated by the beauty and history surrounding the ancient artifacts and paintings that have been passed down through generations in my family. The stories and emotions that were captured in each brushstroke and carving spoke to me in a way that words never could. 

I was born (1970) and bred in the bustling city, but some of the fondest memories of my childhood were spent in the peaceful embrace of my grandma's country home. The sights, sounds, and smells of the countryside ignited a creative spark within me that would eventually guide me on my artistic path.


I was inspired by the radiant sunsets at the beach, the diverse wildlife that roamed the land, the earthy scents of burning clay and Copra from the nearby mills, and the refreshing breeze that whispered through the coconut groves and paddy fields along the Northwestern coast of the island.

 

As a young adult and working woman in the city, life was fast-paced and exciting. However, everything changed when I married and settled in the highlands, 6000 feet above sea level, with my husband and son. Surrounded by lush tea lands and abundant wildlife, I found a new sense of peace, serenity, and inspiration that fueled my passion for art like never before.

It was in the highlands that I truly began my artistic journey, dedicating myself full-time to creating pieces that reflected the beauty, majesty, and wonder of the world around me. Every stroke of the brush, every swirl of color, and every intricate detail in my artwork is a testament to the adventure and exploration that has shaped my life and my art.

 

Stepping into the international art scene was a dream come true for me. It all started when my first art collector, Mr. Ian Goonetilleke, a prominent scholar and art collector in Sri Lanka introduced me and my work to his friends abroad. At the same time, I had just begun working for a foreign-managed company where I was surrounded by people from different countries. This opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me to sell my artwork internationally on a part-time basis.

​​

Maria Abeyesekere

BIOGRAPHY:

Born:                   Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1970

Lives & Works: Dickoya, Hatton, Sri Lanka (Central Highlands)

Background:     Part-time artist from 1990 - 2003

                             Full-time artist since 2003

Education:        Self-taught as an artist / Bachelor of Business Administration

Style:                 Hyperrealism  / Photorealism

Technique:        Oil, Acrylic & Pencil

Invitationals for Upcoming Events:

  • Artexpo New York 2025

  • Botanical Art Worldwide 2025, Pune India from May 17th to 24th, 2025 (Represent Sri Lanka)

  • Genova Art Fair 2025 - Mega Art Gallery, Italy

  • Vernice Art Fair Forlì Italy 28 - 29 30 March 2025 and EuroXspoArt 2025 - Mega Art Gallery, Italy

  • ARTfair INNSBRUCK 2025 and ART WORLD FAIRS PARIS - Van Gogh Art Gallery, Madrid

  • Portrait Exhibition 28th Jan to 10th Feb 2025 - Brick Lane Gallery, London

 

 

Past Selected Group Events & Invitationals:

  • Association of Animal Artists, UK Autumn Exhibition -from 11th Oct'24 to 5th Nov.'24

  • LINKED IN NYC - Women of The World Art Exhibit from August 20th to 25th, 2024, Tribeca, NYC

  • Association of Animal Artists, UK Annual Charity Art Auction - from 1st Aug'24 to 31st Aug'24

  • Association of Animal Artists, UK Online Exhibition - from 24th Jun'24 to 14th Jul'24

  • Association of Animal Artists, UK Spring Exhibition - from 29th Mar'24 to 25th April 24, Rose Paterson Gallery, Western Park, UK

  • Association of Animal Artists, UK Autumn Exhibition - from 10th Nov'23 to 5th Dec'23, The Station, Station Yard, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4LD

  • Faraway places, Las Laguna Art Gallery, USA 2022

  • National Oil and Acrylic Society online Associate member exhibition 2021

  • Portrait Exhibition, Frankfurt, Germany 1993 -won Best Portrait of the Show 

  •  Juried Art Exhibition, Christian Youth Society 1990 -Won Best Young Artist

 

  • 32 Private group shows in Germany and Singapore from 1990 - 2021

Past invitationals that I could not participate due to the pandemic:

  • Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Gainesville, GA 44th Annual Gala 2022

  • Lisboa International Contemporary Juried Exhibition, October 2022

  • Dubai Art Expo 2021 ( Country representation)

  • 2nd Art for Art International Virtual Art Juried Exhibition 2021, Oyster Art Gallery Pakistan

  • Clio Art Fair 2022 in Los Angeles & New York


Awards:
• Best Young Artist, Colombo 1990
• Honorable Mention Award – Animal 2021 International Juried Art Competition, Art Show International
• Honorable Mention Award – Landscape 2022 International Juried Art Competition, Art Show International
• Finalist Award – Portrait 2022 International Juried Art Competition, Art Show International
 

Memberships

Association of Animal Artists logo

Association of Animal Artists, UK

NOAPS logo

Past member of the National Oil & Acrylic Painter's Society, USA

Shoe flower by Maria Abeyesekere
bottom of page