Maree Hassall
NZ ArtistThank you for visiting my website and embarking on this artistic journey with me.
Whether you’re seeking to immortalise your beloved pets or infuse your space with the magic of realistic coloured pencil drawings, I’m here to bring your vision to life with professionalism, passion, and a touch of Kiwi charm.
Scroll down to learn more about me!
Artisic Journey
As a self-taught artist, my journey has been one of self-discovery and relentless pursuit of perfection, zooming in on what needed improving, and driven to practice every single day. People knew me as a very stubborn child, and I never gave up on anything. This started in kindergarten when other children my age would come to me to draw horses for them. I remember how I would look at established artists’ realistic pieces of work and get frustrated how mine didn’t come out the same. But I knew someday I would get there.
Early Life in Motueka
Born and raised in the scenic town of Motueka, nestled within the beauty of the Tasman region of New Zealand, I’ve cultivated a deep-rooted affection for the melodious song of birds, and the enchanting allure of all the wildlife around me. Growing up with an abundance of animals i.e dogs, cats, chickens, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, and more, along with spending my spare time whenever I could to enjoy riding and caring for ponies with my friends, I have always held a fascination for animals, and gravitated toward their company.
Early Life in Motueka
Born and raised in the scenic town of Motueka, nestled within the beauty of the Tasman region of New Zealand, I’ve cultivated a deep-rooted affection for the melodious song of birds, and the enchanting allure of all the wildlife around me. Growing up with an abundance of animals i.e dogs, cats, chickens, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, and more, along with spending my spare time whenever I could to enjoy riding and caring for ponies with my friends, I have always held a fascination for animals, and gravitated toward their company.
Home-Schooling and Artistic Influences
Being mostly home-schooled for the majority of my childhood, I had plenty of time to practice and be around nature. A lot of my artistic talent was born from my professional artist grandparents on my father's side, who encouraged me and gave me tips. Both my parents were creative as well, creating wooden figurines, architect, clothes, baking, sculpting- along with other talents too.
Early Exhibitions and Growing Confidence
While my drawing had mostly been for pleasure -not having sold many pieces during my teens- I gained confidence when someone offered me the chance to show my work in an exhibition called Fire Air Water, in the lovely town of Marlborough at eighteen years of age, and I sold an artwork to one of the gallery owners there. This gave me hope that I could do something with my art seriously as a job. This gave me hope that I could do something with my art seriously as a job.
Early Exhibitions and Growing Confidence
While my drawing had mostly been for pleasure -not having sold many pieces during my teens- I gained confidence when someone offered me the chance to show my work in an exhibition called Fire Air Water, in the lovely town of Marlborough at eighteen years of age, and I sold an artwork to one of the gallery owners there. This gave me hope that I could do something with my art seriously as a job. This gave me hope that I could do something with my art seriously as a job.
Current Focus and Craft
My focus in recent years has shifted towards creating commissioned pieces for my clients. However, the allure of showcasing my creations in a public scene is exciting, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to display my pieces in upcoming exhibitions or markets. When it comes to my craft, I take no shortcuts. Armed with the high quality lightfast range of Polychromos and Prismacolor pencils, coupled with my preferred archival-grade Hahnemühle paper, I ensure that each stroke holds depth of colour and retains its pristine clarity over time. Because to me, art isn’t just about capturing a moment – it’s about preserving its beauty for generations to come.
Life in Lower Hutt
While I may have traded my heart-home of Motueka for the lively charm of Lower Hutt in the North Island -following the footsteps of my lovely fiancé-, my appreciation for nature’s wonders remains unwavering, as there are plenty of gems around Lower Hutt to explore in its own right. Despite the occasional gusty winds, I find solace and inspiration in the rolling hills, meandering river walks, and secluded nature trails that surround my humble abode, nestled snugly down a valley behind Wainuiomata. This has now become a second home and comfort to me, and I miss it dearly whenever I’m off for a time on holiday.
Life in Lower Hutt
While I may have traded my heart-home of Motueka for the lively charm of Lower Hutt in the North Island -following the footsteps of my lovely fiancé-, my appreciation for nature’s wonders remains unwavering, as there are plenty of gems around Lower Hutt to explore in its own right. Despite the occasional gusty winds, I find solace and inspiration in the rolling hills, meandering river walks, and secluded nature trails that surround my humble abode, nestled snugly down a valley behind Wainuiomata. This has now become a second home and comfort to me, and I miss it dearly whenever I’m off for a time on holiday.