Working both ‘en plein air’ and in her Vancouver studio, Josenhans’ contemporary landscapes deftly combine direct observation with creative impulse. Sourcing motifs from locations throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, her oil paintings reflect the ease, familiarity, and curiosity she feels in the outdoors. And while her paintings are about light, shape, and the way she interacts with nature, they are also about the way she interacts with her medium. Her canvases are indicative of their maker and the physical act of painting, characterized by soft and bold marks, thick and thin layers of paint, and the marrying of those physical attributes with select color harmonies. As she remarks on the spaciousness and specifics of place, her paintings simultaneously extend an invitation to the viewer to recall their own unguarded moments in nature.

As an artist for four decades, Josenhans’ career has been shaped by long periods of immersion in large format photography, working as an illustrator, training, competing and adjudicating Highland dance, teaching, and traveling the world by bicycle. Josenhans holds a BFA with Honors from the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA, has been the recipient of numerous awards and grants, and continues to take part in Invitational Plein Air events both nationally and abroad. Her works can be found in private and corporate collections throughout the world.

The Avenue Gallery’s uncanny ability to connect clients with just the right work of art is one of their most invaluable skills. As an artist, each painting I create is sourced solely from my own experiences and memories which makes them feel very personal and sometimes almost private. It is a wonderful feeling to know that The Avenue Gallery takes such great care in placing each painting and it is my hope that my paintings will bring beauty and joy into the homes and offices where they live. I am honored to have my work as a part of The Avenue Gallery’s fine collection. ~ Maria Josenhans