Maria Underwood

I have been an artist for six years and am largely self-taught. I always wanted to be an artist but didn’t have a model for how to make a living, so pursued other careers.

In 2019 I married my soul mate and needed an outlet for positive loving emotion so started painting portraits for family. I progressed to taking portrait commissions, and in 2023 was honoured to be selected as a contestant on Sky TV Portrait Artists of the Year.

My sitter, presenter Nihal Arthanayake, chose my painting to take home. Winning the heart of the sitter was a precious moment. Being on this hugely popular show, has helped me grow artistically, and provided a platform for others to discover my work.

My art is inspired by authentic beauty. The innate loveliness of the subject, whether a portrait, figure, or inspired by something found in nature. I like viewers of my work feel something positive: inspired, hopeful, joyful, calm, serenity. I’m reflecting beauty back into the world.

In figure paintings, I give visibility to authentic beauty in women. Comfortable, confident, and blossoming at every age. Beauty is not defined by youth or perfection.

My signature style balances simple line and flat colour with rich expressive paintwork.

Movement is important in my art for a living and breathing feel. I work energetically with a warm, bright, or deep palette of colours, searching out rhythms and contours to express a sense of form, movement, and beauty.

The subject emerges with a pleasing immediacy. They take up space in an interesting way.

Visit Deal Town Market on a Saturday, you will find me with my woodworker husband Dan. We have a creative collaboration called We Make it Home, selling original art, and handmade wood homeware & furniture, inspiring others to create their own beautiful home.

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• @mariaunderwoodartist