Maryjude Washburn
I was born in Oregon but grew up on both the East Coast in New Hampshire as well as the West Coast in Oregon. I spent my early years in New Hampshire where I learned to appreciate the colorful and majestic beauty of a New England fall. In my preteens, we moved back to Oregon and I was blessed to be surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the great Northwest outdoors. I have always enjoyed nature for its beautiful open spaces and variety of textures as well as all of the amazing brilliant colors that surround us. I am in awe of and inspired by the mountainous terrain, the lush valleys, the vast forest, and the beautiful beaches as well as all of the wonderful, interesting people that I meet every day!
I got excited about drawing when I was very young. I was encouraged by my loving uncle who was a talented artist and had been a successful painter and sculptor. I started with pencil and paper and drew everything insight then I started adding bright, vibrant colors to my drawings. When I was 12 I entered A Christmas poster contest. I sent in 4 posters and won first prize. I was truly surprised but greatly encouraged!
At the age of 13, I started doing architectural sketches of old Victorian houses in Northwest Portland and selling them at the Saturday market.
Over the years I have enjoyed experimenting with many different mediums. I have worked with watercolors, and oils, done Stainglass work, and spent time hand building and sculpting with clay, I have made paper and I made sculptural paper casts as well as bas- relief sculptures out of clay and paper. I have, however, always returned to my first love, drawing and now I also paint, primarily with acrylics. Until about four or five years ago I painted mostly representational art but I had a client request that I do a large abstract painting for her entryway. I had never done an abstract and did not know where to begin so I started studying, reading, and googling abstract art. It was a challenging, new adventure that was very exciting for me. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. In the end, I created a painting that she was absolutely in love with. It’s still hanging in her entryway today. It's a reminder to me that there is always more to learn and many more adventures to have!"
