Artist's Biography
MARIE NEYS, B. COMM, FICB, CSE
Artist Statement/Biography
Canadian Fine Artist | Creative Entrepreneur | Arts Advocate
“Beautiful Living Begins with Art.”
Canadian artist Marie Neys draws inspiration from two distinctly beautiful landscapes: the rugged coastlines, ancient forests and ever-changing seas of British Columbia's West Coast, and the sweeping prairies, rolling foothills and expansive skies of Southern Alberta.
Dividing her time between Bowen Island, British Columbia, and Southern Alberta, Marie captures the spirit of these landscapes through richly coloured, expressive paintings that celebrate nature's beauty, strength and tranquility.
Working primarily in oils and acrylics, Marie has developed a distinctive painting style that combines delicate, blended layers with bold, textured impasto brushwork and palette knife techniques. Her work explores the interplay of light, shadow, colour and movement, inviting viewers to experience the emotion and atmosphere of each landscape. From towering Douglas firs and sculptural driftwood to dramatic coastal skies and peaceful shorelines, her paintings reflect a lifelong fascination with the natural world.
An artist with a passion for both creativity and entrepreneurship, Marie holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a background in marketing. She brings her business experience and artistic vision together to champion the importance of art in everyday life.
As a co-founder of Catching Stars Gallery on Bowen Island and a driving force behind the Bowen Arts Tour, Marie has devoted considerable energy to creating opportunities for artists, connecting communities and encouraging the appreciation and collection of original Canadian art.
Her creative vision extends beyond the canvas through Marie Neys Designs, a growing collection of fine art prints and functional art. Featuring imagery from her original paintings, her collections include pillows, blankets, placemats, scarves, tote bags, journals and other thoughtfully designed pieces that bring art into homes and everyday experiences.
Marie believes that art should not simply be admired on a gallery wall but enjoyed as part of daily living — bringing beauty, warmth, inspiration and personal expression into the spaces we inhabit.
Her work is represented through galleries and art venues in British Columbia, including Catching Stars Gallery on Bowen Island, and is available through her online gallery.
For Marie, creating art is more than a lifelong passion — it is an invitation to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us and surround ourselves with art that makes life more meaningful.
Questions and Answers:
What Inspires you?
I’m inspired by the beauty of the West Coast of British Columbia and the vast open Prairies of Southern Alberta...
Living on Bowen Island allows me to divide my time between the Forest Walks amongst Tall Trees of Cedar, Hemlock, & Douglas Fir and the Beaches where Orcas, Humpbacks and Herons play!
How did you find yourself doing the work your are doing?
I have a degree in Business with a Major In Marketing…but I found myself being drawn to the arts from a very early age. I have challenged myself to make a life long career of painting, creating, instructing and marketing art!
Why do you Paint?
My goal is to capture the West Coast and Alberta Prairies in all their glory.
Who are your Mentors?
The incredible guidance of Artist /Owner, Gene Prokop, of Pro’s Art Atelier in Edmonton, Alberta would be my biggest creative influence. He taught me to slow down, see the shapes, forms and pop the painting with colours that will create mood.
What are Other creative influences?
These would include the vastness of the Pacific Ocean with its deep rich colours & glory. The height of the Rainforest Trees – up to 180 feet and the spicy scent they offer up. The wind and Big Sky of Alberta. and of course the solitude when I paint... being in the "Zone" is a rare and special gift.