Thanks for Dropping By!
My name is Mary-Jo Lough and I am an abstract artist based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. My work is a visual representation of my experience as a neurodivergent individual with ADHD. I utilize pattern and line to harness a bold and chaotic backgrounds. The give and take between complication and clarity are indicative of how I process the world. When I paint, the clutter of life disappears, and order is created.
I am open for commissions and absolutely love working with clients to create artwork they resonate with deeply. If you enjoy my style but can't find something that fits you, please reach out so we can collaborate!
Click below to get to know me better.
The Body Project
In collaboration with the talented photographer Kelly Szott, Mary-Jo embarked on a project close to her heart. A volunteer model call was initiated, inviting individuals of diverse body shapes and sizes to participate. Kelly captured the courage of these models through photography, while Mary-Jo skillfully portrayed them on canvas. The collaborative effort resulted in a joint exhibition showcasing Kelly's photography and Mary-Jo's paintings in September of 2023.
Celebrate body neutrality, as we embrace all bodies as beautiful. THE BODY PROJECT acknowledges the power, vulnerability, and unwavering resilience that define each of us.
Learn more about the origin of this collection and Mary-Jo's personal journey by clicking here.
currently available
Are you missing out on savings?
As a Canadian corporation buying Canadian artwork, you can consider your art acquisition a capital asset for tax purposes. You can write off 100% of the purchase value in 5 years. For additional details, download the free PDF that outlines the rules for Corporate Purchases of Canadian Art.
Search Through collections
- Your collection's name
EXPLORATION
- Your collection's name
THE BODY PROJECT
- Your collection's name
SUMMER WHIMSY
- Your collection's name
DISTRESSED STUDIES ON PAPER
- Your collection's name
3-D CUBE ART
- Your collection's name
ALL PRINTS
Featured piece
INTROSPECTION - ACRYLIC + MULTI-MEDIA ON CANVAS, 30" X 48"
Viewings & events
Subscribe at the top or bottom of this page to receive updates on upcoming events at SHEDPOINT, where Mary-Jo's new studio is located, as well as other shows and markets she is participating in. Mary-Jo offers both in-person and virtual viewings of her work. Additionally, she can bring her art directly to people's homes, allowing them to experience it in their own environment. Please feel free to call or email to schedule a viewing. As noted earlier, Mary-Jo's studio is based in Calgary, Alberta, but she offers worldwide shipping.
what collectors have to say about commissioning Mary-Jo
-
"I love your work! I have purchased 4 pieces now, one for myself and the others as gifts to loved ones. Needless to say, they have all been very well received! I appreciate your kindness and patience when I commissioned a work but didn’t really know what I wanted. You were able to walk me through the process and I ended up with a fabulous addition to my collection!"
-
"Mary-Jo is such a talent. She was an absolute pleasure to work with and the piece she created, aptly titled "Frequency", is a perfect addition to a music lovers home."
-
Mary-Jo is a very talented artist… a dream to work with. I gave her a very weird request for a commission and she knocked it out of the park. The depth and colouring in the work is a conversation piece in itself
-
STATIONARY
Upgrade your stationary game with custom-printed paper products featuring Mary-Jo Lough's original art.
-
Bullet Journal - Intellectualizing For The Win! -
Spring Revises Her Role Greeting Card - 6.25" x 6.25" -
Stratified Perception Greeting Card - 6.25" x 6.25" -
Spectacular Start Greeting Card - 6.25" x 6.25" -
Fields Forever Greeting Card - 6.25" x 6.25" -
All of the Ways Greeting Card - 6.25" x 6.25"
Blog posts
-
Navigating the whirlwind of ideas and inspirations, I often find myself veering off the beaten path, especially in art. Inspired by my friend Heather Kinahan's landscapes, I delved into landscape work, a departure from my usual abstract pieces. This exploration led me to embrace discomfort, pushing me to experiment with new palettes and subjects. "Farmhouse Nostalgia" reflects my teenage years in Southern Ontario, surrounded by farmlands, while "Expanse" captures the vastness of Alberta's sky and mountains. Embracing change and challenge has become an integral part of my creative process, guiding me to new and exciting artistic discoveries.Read more
-
"In the transformative journey of 'The BODY Project,' I moved beyond the confines of my abstract comfort zone. Initially filled with self-doubt, the process took an unexpected pause with carpal tunnel surgery, giving me the space to shed fears and create authentically. As I delved into the models' narratives, the canvas became a mirror, reflecting their stories and unveiling layers of my own emotions. 'The Body Project' evolved into a celebration of body positivity, challenging norms, and leaving an indelible mark on my artistic journey. It reminded me that success in art transcends sales figures; it lies in the transformative power of creation and connection."Read more
-
Read more
'The Body Project,' intertwines personal narratives of body positivity and neutrality. Join me for a journey through abstract expressions inspired by volunteer models, we'll unravel the distinction between embracing our bodies with love and adopting a more neutral perspective. Through vibrant brushstrokes, texture and layers, we'll explore the powerful evolution from constant self-critique to a balanced appreciation of every form.