Maria McKibbin - THE SOUTH GRENVILLE GUILD OF FINE ART

Maria McKibbin
(mariacamckibbin@gmail.com)

As far back as I can remember I’ve loved to draw. Having a highly active Imagination, I’d try to capture on paper whatever I could envision. If I drew a Vase, it would be covered in, basically, “Doodles”; or I’d Imagine Aliens, Sea Creatures and of course, my favorite - Dragons! In School, my favorite Subject was always Art (with English, a close 2nd!) and once School was behind me, I would take Night Classes in Life Drawing and Cartooning. While working as a Mechanical Artist for the Silk-Screen Printing Industry, I was able to Explore Creating Designs, Painting and Printing on various Fabrics like T-Shirts, Table Mats, Bags etc. (and other surfaces – like walls! And even a pair of Shoes! – very cool!). With the Change in the Screen-Printing Industry to utilize Computers, instead of People, to do such things as Layouts and Stencil Cutting, I decided to go “Back-to- School”. I enrolled in a 3 Year Graphic Design Diploma Program through Seneca @ York – Graduating with Honours and surprisingly receiving the Seneca Certificate of Achievement (Twice for Highest Academic Standing). Apart from Computer Studies on Mac Platform, the Curriculum included: Life Drawing, Perspective, Colour Theory, Theory of Thirds, Concepts of Type, Art History and Basics of Photography. Interestingly enough, I loved all the Art Theory and Practical and absolutely hated the Computer – who knew!! That has not stopped me from using those dastardly Machines to create Flyers, Posters, Logos, and even Calendars. I’ve also Designed and Sold my Own Bookmarks and Greeting Cards at various Venues. In recent years I’ve set aside Computers to go back to my First Loves of Doodling and Cartooning – Creating and Inking “Colour Your Own” Mandalas (one of which is of course – a Dragon!). As well, I’ve had a lot of Fun Creating and Painting Images for Children’s rooms specific to their Interests. Currently through Walker House here in Prescott, I have had the opportunity to Study and Apply a more Traditional approach to Art – Landscape Painting and Drawing, as well as, again, Perspective, etc. etc. – and I’m just loving it!

Hazel's Dragon.

Mountains.

Rose.

Pots.