Showcase Saturday - Marilena Mexi

This week's Showcase artist is Marilena of Greece!

As you may recall from my last painting, Garden Light, I have been working incessantly on improving my background ability. As a result, I decided to study up on some beautiful landscapes and detailed backgrounds. My search led me to discover Marilena on deviantART.

I was immediately astounded by the stunning amount of detail she puts into her work. It's as if you can see every leaf, stone, and wood knot in the scene. You can't just look at these paintings -- you fall into them.

I am particularly inspired by the above piece, Hidden Castle, as it reminds me a bit of a valley city I created in my novel mythology. The lighting and the depth in this work, especially, is outrageously stunning. It just seems to go on infinitely beyond the canvas. And really makes me want to go hiking XD

From Marilena:

How did you get started as an artist?
-Since I was very young I remember myself painting, participating in school painting contests and all sorts of artistic events. For me painting has always been a way of expression. I had been influenced by Walt Disney movies, as well as by my mother, who loves art and often took me to museums and galleries. She encouraged me to carry on with what I'm doing.



What usually inspires you?
-I'm inspired by my favorite bands Nightwish and Sirenia and general the symphonic metal music, also movies like the lord of the rings, twilight saga, matrix and my favorite artist and director Tim Burton.Generally I am influenced from the Greek mythology and not only.Always I like to hear and to read for myths and different mysterious stories,is something which is charm me and and make me to influence and to want to make with my fantasy mine stories.



What advice can you offer beginners?
-I don't believe in the word "talent", but in the words passion, love and practice. If you try really hard you will achieve your goals.
Love and hope makes us both better people and better artists. 

Wait a second... Nightwish, Sirenia, AND Tim Burton??? I knew I liked her art for some reason. It's always fun to find a kindred spirit in the world.

Many, many thanks to Marilena for her time and permission, as well as for having such awesome taste in music. I'm listening to Sirenia's The Other Side as I write this.

All artwork featured is ©Marilena Mexi (maril1.deviantart.com) and was used with permission from the artist. 

Unauthorized use or reproduction of art is punishable by law.