Maria Abeyesekere
Portrait & Figurative Artist
Wildlife Art in Sri Lanka
by Maria Abeyesekere
Maria Abeyesekere is a professional portrait and figurative artist whose mastery of anatomy, light, and emotional realism naturally evolved into wildlife and nature inspired art. Living and working in one of Sri Lanka’s richest biodiversity hubs, surrounded by endemic wildlife and rare bird species, her daily environment became a profound source of inspiration—guiding her artistic journey beyond the human form and into the living spirit of the wild.
With over 35 years of artistic practice, Maria has gained international recognition, participating in exhibitions and representing Sri Lanka at several inernational art shows. Her career reflects a sustained global presence, marked by prestigious French Riviera Prize (France) & Poseidon Prize (Venice), and consistent engagement with collectors and institutions worldwide. Today, she is recognized as an internationally commissioned artist, producing museum-quality hyperrealistic artworks for private collectors, corporate spaces, and hospitality environments.
Throughout her career, Maria’s home-based studio, set within the wild, has become a destination in itself. Over the years, it has welcomed international tourists, serious art collectors, rare and endemic wildlife art enthusiasts, researchers, birdwatchers, and foreign students—all drawn by a shared appreciation for realism, biodiversity, and Sri Lanka’s unique natural heritage.
This direct immersion in nature, combined with a strong foundation in portrait and figurative art, allows Maria Abeyesekere to create wildlife artworks that go beyond visual accuracy—capturing presence, character, and quiet intensity. Each work stands as a bridge between fine art, observation, and conservation, offering collectors a deeply authentic connection to the natural world.
Wildlife Art for Tourists Visiting Sri Lanka
For travelers inspired by Sri Lanka’s forests, endemic wildlife, and natural beauty, Maria Abeyesekere offers a seamless and collector-friendly experience.
Tourists may:
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Contact Maria before arriving in Sri Lanka to discuss commissions or available artworks
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Visit her home studio to view and purchase original wildlife and nature artworks
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Commission custom pieces or curated series of endemic birds and wildlife inspired by Sri Lanka
If transporting artwork during travel is inconvenient, international shipping is professionally arranged, allowing collectors to receive their artwork safely once they return home.
A vibrant wildlife drawing of a Crimson-fronted Barbet, created with KOH-I-NOOR Hardtmuth multicoloured pencils by Maria Abeyesekere. This artwork captures the bird’s striking colours and character, celebrating the beauty of Sri Lanka’s native avian wildlife.
WILDLIFE ART COMMISSIONS
The 3-Step Commission Process
Maria Abeyesekere follows a clear and personalized three-step process to ensure clarity, quality, and exceptional results.
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Step 1 – Initial Consultation
Collectors contact Maria to discuss subject matter, size, medium (oil, acrylic, graphite, or coloured pencils), timeline, and installation requirements. Tourists are encouraged to initiate this step before traveling to Sri Lanka.
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Step 2 – Creation & Progress
Once the commission is confirmed, Maria begins the artwork with meticulous attention to realism and detail.
Progress updates may be shared depending on the project scope. Only a limited number of commissions are accepted
each year to maintain museum-quality standards.
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Step 3 – Completion, Varnishing & Delivery
Upon completion, artworks are professionally finished, packaged, and delivered. For international collectors, secure
global shipping is arranged directly from Sri Lanka to the client’s destination.
Important Commission Information
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Limited commissions only are accepted annually
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Oil painting commissions require a minimum of 7 months’ notice
(Oil paintings require approximately 6 months for proper curing and varnishing to ensure longevity and archival quality.) -
Timelines for graphite and charcoal artworks vary based on scale and complexity
Early inquiries are strongly recommended, especially for large-scale or multi-piece collections.
“Gentle Giant” is a wildlife painting in oil on canvas depicting a native Sri Lankan wild water buffalo, capturing its quiet strength, resilience, and calm presence in its natural habitat. Often seen alone in the early morning, this majestic animal was observed nearby during Maria’s morning walks, adding a personal and authentic connection to the artwork.
Large-Scale & Larger-Than-Life Wildlife Art
Maria Abeyesekere specializes in impactful, large-format wildlife artworks created for:
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Luxury private residences
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Hotels, resorts, and eco-retreats
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Corporate headquarters and boardrooms
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Boutique villas and destination properties
Subjects often include:
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Endemic birds of Sri Lanka
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Iconic wildlife such as elephants, big cats, and birds of prey
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Nature-inspired compositions grounded in realism and atmosphere
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Collectors may commission a cohesive series of endemic wildlife or birds, curated specifically for architectural and interior harmony.
“Resting Fighter” is a powerful lion painting in oil on canvas, portraying strength, resilience, and quiet dominance in a moment of rest. This artwork by Maria Abeyesekere captures the noble spirit of the lion with rich texture and depth, celebrating the balance between power and calm. Reference credit: Patsy Weigngart.
Large Landscape Artwork Sizes
Maria Abeyesekere specializes in large to larger-than-life landscape paintings and drawings, created to make a strong visual and emotional impact in refined spaces.
Standard Large Sizes (Landscape Orientation)
Medium–Large
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36 × 24 in (91 × 61 cm)
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40 × 30 in (102 × 76 cm)
Large
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48 × 30 in (122 × 76 cm)
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48 × 36 in (122 × 91 cm)
Extra-Large / Statement Works
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60 × 36 in (152 × 91 cm)
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60 × 40 in (152 × 102 cm)
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72 × 36 in (183 × 91 cm)
Monumental & Architectural Sizes (By Commission)
For hotels, resorts, corporate lobbies, and luxury residences,
custom architectural-scale landscapes can be commissioned, including:
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84 × 42 in (213 × 107 cm)
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96 × 48 in (244 × 122 cm)
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Multi-panel or triptych landscape series
Medium Options
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Oil on canvas (museum-quality, varnished)
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Graphite or coloured pencils on archival paper
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Framed or unframed, depending on shipping and installation needs
Choosing the Right Size
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Homes & private collectors: 48–60 in width creates strong presence without overpowering
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Hotels & resorts: 60–96 in widths for lobbies, corridors, and feature walls
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Corporate spaces: Multi-panel landscapes for boardrooms and reception areas
Maria Abeyesekere works closely with collectors, architects, and interior designers to ensure each landscape artwork is balanced to the space, lighting, and architectural context.
Important Timeline Note
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oil painting commissions require at least 7 months’ advance notice
(Includes approximately 6 months for curing and varnishing to museum standards.)
72"x36" Oil on Canvas wildlife painting commission of Sri Lankan Elephants
Why Invest in Wildlife Art
Wildlife art offers both aesthetic and psychological value, creating meaningful environments in private and professional spaces.
Benefits for Private Collectors
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Introduces calm, balance, and a connection to nature
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Enhances the emotional character of living spaces
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Represents long-term artistic and cultural value
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Reflects refined taste and environmental awareness
Benefits for Corporate & Commercial Spaces
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Strengthens brand identity and storytelling
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Creates inspiring environments for clients and employees
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Aligns with sustainability, conservation, and wellness values
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Makes large interiors visually memorable and distinctive
This wildlife drawing, created with Faber-Castell Polychromos colour pencils by Maria Abeyesekere, celebrates the leopard’s natural curiosity and habitat, making it an ideal piece for collectors of Sri Lankan leopard and wildlife art.
A wildlife painting featuring Dull Blue Flycatchers, an endemic bird species of Sri Lanka, captured as they prepare to take flight from an old barn. Created in acrylic on 100% cotton archival paper, this artwork reflects natural behavior, habitat, and movement with fine detail, ideal for collectors of Sri Lankan endemic wildlife art.
Graphite drawings of wildlife in Sri Lanka by Maria Abeyesekere
Logistics & International Shipping
For international hotel groups and overseas property owners:
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Secure professional packaging
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Climate-conscious shipping options
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Worldwide delivery arranged directly from Sri Lanka
This allows artworks to be commissioned locally and installed globally with ease
Take a Piece of Sri Lanka Home:
Wildlife and Nature Art by Maria Abeyesekere
Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise rich in biodiversity, where lush forests, misty mountains, and sparkling coastlines are home to rare endemic birds and wildlife. For travelers seeking a meaningful memento beyond typical souvenirs, collecting a museum-quality painting or drawing offers a unique way to bring the essence of Sri Lanka into your home.
Maria Abeyesekere, an internationally recognized portrait and figurative artist, has spent over 35 years living and working in one of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity hubs. Surrounded by endemic wildlife and birds, she draws inspiration directly from her environment, creating hyperrealistic wildlife and nature artworks that capture both the beauty and spirit of the island.
Why Collect Wildlife and Nature Art in Sri Lanka?
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A Tangible Connection to Nature
Every painting or drawing reflects the island’s natural beauty and endemic wildlife, offering a memory that lasts far longer than photographs or souvenirs. -
Museum-Quality Craftsmanship
Maria Abeyesekere’s works are meticulously detailed, and finished to museum standards, making them perfect for private collections, homes, or corporate spaces. -
Celebrate Endemic Species
Many artworks feature species found only in Sri Lanka, allowing you to celebrate and preserve the island’s unique biodiversity. -
A Story Within Every Artwork
Each piece tells a story—from the forest where it was inspired to the careful brushwork that brings it to life—making it a cultural and artistic keepsake.
How Tourists Can Collect or Commission Artwork
Visitors can commission artworks before arriving in Sri Lanka or purchase them directly from Maria’s home-based studio. For those who find transportation challenging, international shipping is available, so your artwork can arrive safely at your home after your trip.
Maria’s studio has been a destination for tourists, international art collectors, birdwatchers, researchers, and foreign students, offering a personal and immersive experience of Sri Lanka’s wildlife and her artistic process.
A Lasting Memory of Sri Lanka
Choosing wildlife and nature art is more than a souvenir—it’s a way to capture the spirit of the island, support local artistry, and take home a piece of Sri Lanka’s living heritage. Each painting or drawing serves as a timeless reminder of your journey, the endemic species you encountered, and the breathtaking landscapes that make Sri Lanka unique.
Whether you are a serious art collector or a traveler seeking a meaningful keepsake, wildlife and nature art by Maria Abeyesekere allows you to bring the wild beauty of Sri Lanka into your home.
Contact Maria today to plan a studio visit or commission your own wildlife artwork while visiting Sri Lanka.