Local artist Marney-Rose Edge started her career in the print industry as a colour separator.
While it hinted at fine art, it wasn't the kind of job that really lit her passion -- that was something she would discover in her 40s after taking a painting class for the first time.
"I did drawing as a kid, just like any other kid, but I didn't take any art in school or anything like that, and I wasn't encouraged," she said.
After taking a watercolour class in 2003, she was hooked on the technique, which she says allows a work to glow.
From that day on, Edge painted constantly, building her skills by taking more classes, workshops, reading and watching DVDs on the subject.
Today, the New Westminster resident is self-employed as an artist and is in love with her work, which focuses on flowers - especially the rose.
"I paint florals because I'm a gardener, first of all, and they are the most natural vehicle for painting light because of the translucency through petals," she said. "And then roses, they're the one flower I do the best because they're so complex, I think, and I really enjoy complexity."
Her paintings are often done on huge canvasses, exuding a joyful display of colour and texture that, from a distance looks almost like a photo, but up close showcases the artist's expertise with the brush.
To keep inspired, Edge said being around other artists helps, as well as being outside in nature, surrounded by potential subjects. She also teaches watercolour painting through the City of New Westminster and belongs to various art collectives.
Having her paintings displayed at an exhibition is one of the best parts of her career, Edge said, and she loves to meet people and see their reactions to her paintings.
"I get so much job satisfaction, being able to create something on a daily basis, she said. "And to watch people's reactions - even if they don't buy it - just to see their reactions, and to stop people dead in their footsteps because they didn't think watercolour could look like this."
Her latest collection, called Celebration, is on display until Nov. 24, daily from 1 to 5 p.m. at the gallery in Queen's Park.
Edge will be in attendance this Saturday for the public to meet her and find out more about her work.
For more information, call 778-8750258, or visit www.marneyroseedge.com.
