As an artist I strive to make paintings that show the “Beauty in Imperfections”.
Whether painting portraits, still lives, or abstracts I stay true to my style and process.
I show the artists hand in the work and I allow the nature of the materials I am using to have a life of their own. By experimenting the unexpected happens and I have the chance to incorporate this into my work.
This fluid process is both interesting,challenging, and keeps the work fresh and exciting. The colours, textures and patterns I see when traveling are a constant inspiration to me and influence many of my paintings.
With every finished piece I include a combination of mediums, varied mark making techniques, unique colour combinations, interesting surface textures and dynamic compositions. I hope to spark curiosity and reflection in viewers, inviting everyone to connect with the JOY I am feeling when I am painting.
In my current work “Las Jefas”I have been painting portraits of Latino women along with birds and animals which represent the woman’s inner voice or intuition. The portraits are painted in a way that emphasises surface texture, line and form in unexpected ways.
Mary-Lou Boulanger: Finding Beauty in Imperfection
Mary-Lou Boulanger is a contemporary fine artist whose work serves as a vibrant bridge between cultures, emotions, and the natural world. Born in North Bay, Ontario, into a bustling family of 14, Mary-Lou initially discovered art as a sanctuary of solitude and individual expression. Today, that personal refuge has evolved into a sophisticated professional practice spanning studios in both Canada and Mexico.
An International Perspective on Design and Fine Art
Mary-Lou’s artistic journey is backed by a rigorous academic foundation, holding degrees from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Arts in Education. After a 15-year career with the Waterloo County Board of Education, she returned to her first passion, studying Fine Arts at Laurier University.
Her signature style was deeply influenced by a 14-year residency in Hong Kong, where she balanced a career in design with a thriving painting practice. This international exposure allowed her to cultivate a global aesthetic, blending North American sensibilities with the high-energy textures and colors of Asia and Latin America.
Style and Philosophy: The “Las Jefas” Series
Working with a “Beauty in Imperfections” philosophy, Mary-Lou’s work is celebrated for its tactile, fluid nature. She allows the organic qualities of her materials to guide the process, resulting in pieces that feel both fresh and emotionally grounded.
Her current acclaimed series, “Las Jefas,” explores the strength of Latino women. These evocative portraits often feature birds and animals—symbolic representations of inner intuition and the “inner voice.” Collectors are drawn to her unique ability to combine:
Dynamic Compositions: Bold, unexpected arrangements that command attention in any room.
Rich Surface Textures: Varied mark-making and mixed media techniques that invite tactile curiosity.
Vibrant Color Palettes: Inspired by her travels and the light of her Mexican studio.
Global Reach and Private Collections
With a career spanning decades and continents, Mary-Lou Boulanger has secured a place in numerous private art collections worldwide. Whether she is painting a soul-stirring portrait, a lush still life, or a complex abstract, her work invites the viewer to share in the joy and curiosity of the creative process.
