Secret Garden by Mariya McAllister

Step into a world of natural beauty as local artist Mariya McAllister shares her “Secret Garden” – a collection of stunning acrylic and watercolour paintings that bring flowers and fruits to life. Through careful attention to detail and vibrant colours, these works invite you to experience the joy and peace found in nature’s wonders.

Born in Ukraine, and raised in Poland where she later studied, Mariya is now based in Clacton-on-Sea. She combines her background in art education and graphic design to create paintings that capture intricate details of her subjects. Her hyper-realistic style transforms everyday scenes into moments of wonder, encouraging viewers to pause and appreciate the beauty around them.

During recent challenging times, including the war in Ukraine, Mariya found peace and healing in her garden. The hours spent tending to plants not only helped ease her mind but also inspired her to follow her heart as a full-time artist and art teacher. This personal journey of finding solace in nature flows through every painting in the exhibition.
As an active member of the Colchester Art Society, Ipswich Art Society and Holland Art Society, Mariya continues to contribute to the local art community.

“Secret Garden” is more than an exhibition – it’s an invitation to slow down, connect with nature, and perhaps find your own moment of peace among the paintings.
Join us this April at Level Best’s Colchester Art Gallery to experience these remarkable works that celebrate the extraordinary beauty of the natural world.

“For me nature is an endless source of inspiration and joy. I love to paint the beauty I see around me. It could be a beautiful flower, fruits or a landscape which leaves an unforgettable impression in my mind. In the subject I am looking for vibrant, contrasting colours and interesting shapes. My favourite mediums are acrylics – because of vibrant colours and watercolours – because of interesting textures. I am focusing on creating a painting which would capture every detail of my subject as I am trying to freeze in time nature’s wonders. Through my work, I aim to share my profound connection with nature, inviting viewers to experience the joy and beauty I find in the natural world.
I believe in art’s ability to foster creativity, self-expression, and inner peace. As a universal language, art enables connections that transcend boundaries, allowing us to share our appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us. Through this creative process, we discover new ways to connect and find harmony.”

About the artist:

Mariya McAllister is a professional artist and art teacher based in Clacton on Sea, UK. Born in Ukraine and raised in Poland, she holds two degrees: MA in Art Education and MSc in Graphic Design and Multimedia.
McAllister has been honing her artistic skills since childhood, developing a particular mastery in acrylic and watercolour painting. Her work in acrylics demonstrates a near hyper-realistic quality. Nature is her main source of inspiration. Through her artwork, she aims to share this profound connection with her audience, inviting viewers to experience the joy and beauty she finds in the natural world.
As an active member of several prestigious art societies, including the Colchester Art Society, Ipswich Art Society, and Holland Art Society, McAllister has established herself in the UK art community. Her recent achievements include exhibiting at the Open Summer Exhibition in The Minories (2024) and the Bath Open Art Prize Exhibition (2024). She has also been recognized as a finalist in the Artists of the Year 2024 competition, while continuing to participate in numerous group exhibitions. Her works are housed in private collections in UK, Poland and Ukraine.