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The first time I saw Marie Ross’s art, I was captivated by its vibrant, flowing beauty floral pieces that are delicate yet bold, modern yet organic. But it wasn’t until I met her at the Affordable Art Fair that I discovered the woman behind the canvas was just as compelling as her work.
As a member of the Dripping Springs Art League, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share the story of Marie who, like me, made the leap from corporate careers to the art world. Marie’s journey from a high-stakes sales career to a flourishing artistic practice is a perfect example. We connected over FaceTime, and as she talked, I could almost smell the unique blend of acrylic paint and fresh sourdough baking in her kitchen - a scent that perfectly captures her life as an artist, mother, and wife.
A Studio in the Heart of the Home
Marie’s art is fully woven into the center of her family’s life. Her studio space is a large wooden countertop in the center of her home, and her dining table often doubles as an easel.
Her home is bright and thoughtfully designed, a reflection of her intentionality. This space is a shared one, as her five-year-old daughter, Eva, often joins her. ”I’ll turn on worship music, she’ll do her little craft, and I’ll do my art,” Marie says, explaining how they work side-by-side. “Mixing both motherhood and art in the kitchen, brings both beauty and chaos.”
From Sales to Surrender
Before becoming a full-time artist, Marie had a robust career in sales. She was raised as an independent, driven woman who believed in self-sufficiency. This led her from a career as a hairdresser, which she saw as a blend of art and people, to a demanding sales role.
Her life changed with marriage and motherhood. She became a stay-at-home mom after the birth of her daughter in 2020. This shift was humbling and challenging, and it was during this time that she began painting again. ”My art is parallel to my journey of freedom in my life,” she shares. ”When I understood that the only person I had to rely on and report to is God, it gave me so much freedom.” Marie’s creative process is a metaphor for this journey. With acrylic pouring, she can only control so much; the rest is about faith and surrendering to the final result.
The Art of Freedom and Flow
Marie’s unique style of acrylic pouring is what first drew me in. She uses a hair dryer as her primary tool, using the air to move the paint and create her signature bold, contemporary floral blooms. “I fell in love with acrylic pouring because of the aspect of technique and surrender to the result,” she says.
She discovered this technique in a local art class with artist Caroline Bowden Haus. It was an instant connection to a style that resonated with her life’s themes of blooming, rebirth, and following the light. The meditative motion of painting puts her in a “flow state” where she loses track of time. Her mother used to say her mouth would cringe and her nostrils would flare - a tell-tale sign that “she’s going to be in that zone for hours.”
From Local Markets to Global Exhibitions
Marie’s journey to high-end art shows began at local artisan fairs and events. It was through these local connections that she met gallerist Zhanna Kedria, who runs Kedria Arts, a contemporary art gallery that promotes artists on the national and international stage. The investment for high-end shows like CONTEXT Art Miami can be thousands of dollars to rent a wall. It was a calculated risk for Marie, but with Kedria’s guidance, she took the leap. Today, she travels as part of a trio with two other Austin artists, Lana Kaufman and Ana Remok, representing her work to an international audience. For Marie, this path is about reaching a broader network while maintaining her core mission.
A Mission Beyond the Canvas
Marie is clear about her purpose: “My goal is not fame. I want to carry a mission.”
She sees art as a way to teach, learn, and connect. A portion of her sales is donated to community causes, and she recently gave a large painting to a family whose home was being renovated. “Paintings aren’t mine,” she said. “They’re meant to serve a purpose.”
Marie shared a story about a collector who bought her piece All Her Paths Are Peace while grieving her mother. “She told me that verse was one her mom repeated every day and looking at it brings her peace,” Marie recalled.
Looking Ahead
Marie is currently experimenting with plaster and textured mediums for a new collection debuting this fall at Spectrum Unveiled at Canopy Austin (October 4, 2025).
Marie’s advice for all creatives is: ”Never stop. It doesn’t have to be your career. If you’re an artist at heart, just keep creating.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST: Artist: Marie Ross Business: Marie Ross Art Instagram: @marierossart Email: marierossart. [email protected] Phone: 512-6489023 Gallerist: Kedria Arts (https://www.kedriaarts. com)
