Born in 1970, Maria Abeyesekere is a portrait and figurative artist whose practice is shaped by a lifelong engagement with drawing and painting. Entirely self‑taught, her artistic development has been driven by sustained observation, disciplined studio practice, and an intuitive understanding of form that has evolved over decades. Art, as she often notes, has been present for as long as she can remember—an innate language rather than an acquired skill.

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Working within the lineage of classical European realism while remaining independent of formal academic institutions, Abeyesekere’s work demonstrates a rare synthesis of instinct and structure. Her paintings are recognized for their technical clarity, psychological depth, and quiet authority, positioning realism not as a nostalgic mode but as a contemporary and relevant discipline.

Her primary focus is portrait and figurative painting in oil and graphite, where she explores likeness, presence, and the subtle narratives embedded within human expression. These works are conceived as enduring cultural objects—intended to preserve identity and memory beyond a single generation. Executed using museum‑grade, archival materials and conservation‑aware processes, her paintings are suitable for long‑term private and institutional collections.

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Alongside portraiture, Abeyesekere has developed an extensive body of botanical, wildlife, and nature‑inspired work. Her botanical paintings are distinguished by a high level of scientific accuracy, informed by close study and research, and are frequently commissioned as individual works or curated series for tourism authorities, corporate environments, and cultural institutions. These works occupy a space between art and visual documentation, contributing to contemporary conversations around biodiversity, conservation, and place.

Her wildlife and nature‑inspired paintings draw from biodiverse environments, emphasising atmosphere, movement, and structural harmony rather than illustrative narrative. Still life painting forms another important strand of her practice, rooted in classical European traditions and centered on light, symbolism, and compositional balance.

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Abeyesekere’s work is commissioned by and held in private, corporate, and institutional collections across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and global markets. Her professional practice is marked by a selective commission schedule, allowing for sustained focus, research, and craftsmanship. 

She has proudly represented Sri Lanka at distinguished global art events, bringing the nation’s artistic heritage to an international audience through her unique style and storytelling.

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In 2025, Maria was honoured with the “International Artists of the French Riviera Prize” in France and  “Poseidon Prize” in Venice, recognitions celebrating her exceptional contribution to contemporary realism.

Today, Maria Abeyesekere continues to work from her studio with a commitment to permanence, observation, and the preservation of traditional painting values within a contemporary context.

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