Filomena Irving, Artist

My name is Filomena Irving (1959, Toronto, Canada). I live on a farm in Washburn, Maine. I am an artist who has taken over a half a century to awaken that latent desire to paint. The dictionary describes “latent” as being a state of existing but not yet developed or manifest, present but not visible or actualized. I have always known that I had it in me, but it wasn’t until my husband encouraged me to attend a painting workshop hosted by Tim Gagnon that I actually awakened my latent desire and turned it into a new career. I have retired from teaching middle school science and now devote myself to my family and painting. From teaching others I have gone on to teach myself how to paint.

I work in acrylics and watercolor, my subjects are predominantly landscapes, seascapes and florals. My passion for travel and gardening often translate themselves into my paintings. My paintings are largely influenced by my imagination, the works of other artists, and the beauty that surrounds me. One could describe my style as impressionistic, and eclectic, varying with my mood and my medium. My art gives voice to my experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and daughter.

For me, art is a language that crosses all boundaries and highlights the beauty, diversity and mystery in nature and life. My paintings establish a link between the landscape’s reality and that imagined by its conceiver. A painting can tell stories, evoke emotions, and connect us to our past, present, and future. It is my hope that my paintings speak to the viewer and draws out their personal connection, a link to a memory of a place visited or perhaps inspires them to take a moment and enjoy the beauty that is. I am a work in progress, I have taken what was present but not visible and turned it into actual paintings, and I am now openly sharing them with you. 

Past Events
2018 Old Port Festival - Portland, ME
2018 Bucksport Art Festival - Bucksport, ME
2018 Art In The Park - Bar Harbor, ME