Originals : Mary Shaw [Biography]

Mary Shaw

Mary Shaw was born in Bristol, where she still resides today. An entirely self- taught artist, she demonstrated an aptitude for painting from childhood, and completed her first commission at the age of just thirteen. As an adult, she spent four years living in Zimbabwe and Cape Town, where she began to establish herself as a professional artist.

On returning to the UK, Mary rediscovered her affection for the English countryside, having been struck by the vastly differing landscapes of her two homes. She was particularly interested in the rare and endangered species found amongst Englands hedgerows, and began to depict them in her paintings.

Created using a variety of media, Marys beautiful pieces have a delicate touch which seem to enchant all fortunate enough to encounter them. Loosely- painted organic foregrounds contrast with areas of exquisite detail; often a butterfly, kingfisher or field mouse is found nestled within the flowers. Her use of diamond dust gives each painting an iridescent sparkle, adding a contemporary twist to otherwise traditional scenes.

Mary has exhibited extensively throughout the UK since her return; her works met with great affection and collected by art lovers across the world- most notably the King of Qatar who was gifted a piece by his son Prince Abdullah Al Thani.