Maria Ward

I work as an artist on the Isle of Wight painting the life and fun of the seaside. I sketch on location to capture the vibrancy and energy of a scene.

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

The yachts racing at Cowes this morning looked so elegant with their crisp cream gaffer rigged sails so I thought I would post this on of classics racing by the Royal Yacht Squadron.

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

If you are an artist who hasn't signed up for the Isle of Wight Open Studios 2024 the deadline is at lunchtime tomorrow Sunday 8th June - please spread the word.
https://t.co/NOI1HVUeSI

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

https://t.co/65VWlU2yNP

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

I thought I would post a photo of my Isle of Wight playing cards today. They are manufactured in England on casino grade board and I did all the design work myself as well as the paintings :)

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

Starting on Thursday, I still have quite a lot to do but I'm getting there.

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

Coming soon, my 2025 calendar. Working late at night to finish the artwork I made a bit of a blip putting the wrong year on the front but luckily the printer spotted it :)

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

It was a tricky decision deciding to paint the storm clouds or to pretend that the sky was clear and blue. I think there is something quintessentially British about enjoying the seaside and carrying on regardless on a stormy day. I just need to paint all the tiny figures now :)

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

A painting in progress, scooters at Sandown on the Isle of Wight.

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

My exhibition at Quarr Abbey 16th - 21st of May 10.30 - 4.30 is imminent and I've been trying to find promotional photos and write write ups.
How do you describe a portfolio of Isle of Wight images painted over the last 20 years in a few words?

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

Sunset was fab at Gurnard last night.

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

Just delivered some new mugs to Bluebells in Brighstone.
For those un aquainted it is a tiny little shop in North Street in Brighstone and a bit of an Aladdin's cave.
The format for mug printing is really panoramic so I have used some hand drawn text and spot designs.

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

I thought I would post a tiny section of a larger painting today.
I include a lot of details in my pictures, it's hard to know when to stop when you sketch on location.

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

I should have written palette, I'm sure someone noticed. Apparently I need to upgrade my account to make changes to posts with the new x. It's going to be tricky as I seem to notice mistakes after posting rather than before.

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

I'm painting a sketch of Puckpool today, I've left it overnight for the sky to dry properly and I'm looking forward to adding the rest of my pallet :)

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

Its that time again, lots of Christmas events are happening on the Island and this is one of the biggest.

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

Just spent the afternoon setting up at the https://t.co/gnIXzOmqec the weather is meant to be good this weekend so it should be fantastic.
I've posted this view of Hunnyhill for today because my daughter remarked upon it whilst driving through yesterday.
#iowgarlicfestival #IOW

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

Whilst I was having bit of a battle with the open studio bunting on the roof of Fort Victoria in gale force winds I heard cries of "dolphin".
It took a while but I spotted them.
I am sharing the Corner room gallery space with Boris Moscoff again.
Open from the 14-23 July 10 - 4

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

This beautiful weather goes on and on and Sunday was no exception. We popped over to Shanklin and it felt like being on holiday with crazy golf, a dip in the sea, ice creams and sketching (naturally). Its challenging drawing moving people but fun too.

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

I had an enjoyable painting session in the garden with my new rigger brush and some drawing ink after a weekend of gardening.

[Maria Ward @MariaWardArtist]

Gurnard Village Hall was packed with artisans and crafters today for the Spring Fair and is on again tomorrow - Sunday.
Such a lovely mix of products great for presents and wood turning demonstrations and wood outside.
#gurnard #isleofwight #meetthemakers #cowes