Biography: Maureen McNeil

McNeil is a self-taught artist and has been painting for 18 years. She comes from several generations of talented artists, the most note-worthy being her mother, who she used to watch paint as a young child.

McNeil's acrylics on canvas put forth a whimsical feel with intended simplicity, which she achieves through contrast and an exciting bold colour palette. McNeil gears her work toward children, although her sports collections, such as The Blue Jays and Maple Leafs have been very well received by more mature audiences.

Maureen explains that, due to a difficult unexpected loss in the family, her creativity has taken a newly inspired direction: "My Mother died November 10th of 2010. Like myself she was an artist, talented with a brush, with the spoken word, the best mother a daughter could ever dream to have. After she died, I inherited her brushes and paint, what an amazing personal gift to be given to me!

Every tube told a story, and the brushes give me a strong personal connection. Every time I use them I am aware that she held them, I am holding her hand, or is she holding mine guiding me with each brush stroke. I love these brushes, they have her fingerprints.

One of my clients commented that my style had changed, and I told her about my Mothers passing and acknowledged that yes, it had changed. My artwork is my emotional fuel. As I go through this journey without my Mom, I need to forget sometimes and just focus on painting. At times my work is silly and frivolous... Mom would laugh and say "Oh Mo that is sheer genius". Other times it is victorious and I feel I am adapting to the "new normal". I love to talk to my Mom as I am painting, it is therapeutic, personal, it is the fuel that I need to live my life."

Maureen has painted for The Sick Children's Hospital, and her collections can be seen at the Credit Valley Hospital as well as the Trillium Hospital in both Mississauga and Toronto. Maureen currently resides in Mississauga with her four children and supportive husband Ken. Often when Maureen drops off new pieces she will allow her young daughter Riley to name the pieces right on the spot. The names that Riley comes up with are always unique and unexpected, further adding to the lighthearted nature of these pieces.

Today's Blog Post

Turning Heads with Beautiful Portraits by Adrian deRooy

Today we have two new portraits by Adrian deRooy! These stunning pieces are sure to turn heads and get attention with their beautiful hats, flowers, and smiles. Adrian loves to experiment with different styles, and is fascinated by how they meld … Continue reading →

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At Crescent Hill Art Gallery, we feature original art from top Canadian and International artists.  Our on-line gallery allows  you to browse artwork by artist or style - such as abstract, figurative, still life, representational and landscape.

Conveniently located in Mississauga, Ontario, our art gallery is home to one of the largest comprehensive collections of original fine artwork in North America.

Crescent Hill Gallery Hours:

Monday-Wednesday    10am - 6pm
Thursday & Friday           10am-8pm
Saturday                           10am-6pm
Sunday                               Noon - 5pm

 

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