In the Studio with Scottish Artist Mandy Maria
Based in Glasgow, Mandy Maria is a soft pastel artist and one of our immensely talented makers here at Òr. Where many people see Scotland as a grey, muted place, Mandy views it as a spectrum of colour, which she captures beautifully in each and every one of her giclée prints. Having grown up in Aberdeenshire means that her relationship with Scotland runs deep, with her love of walking and hiking across the Highlands being a direct inspiration for her work.
We caught up with Mandy in her studio to find out how her artistic journey began and what continues to inspire her today.
Mandy, take us back to the beginning. When did you first start creating art?
Drawing was my natural outlet; it was how I played as a child. We all need that sense of play, and for me it showed up in making things. It was simply part of how I understood the world. Art never felt like effort, just something I was drawn to. My career has taken a few turns over the years and I let my work lead the way. I studied product design, and for a long time I worked in more structured, digital environments. It wasn’t until much later that I found my way back to using my hands, and discovering soft pastels in 2020 changed everything. It felt instinctive, tactile, and familiar in a way I didn’t expect.
Scotland runs throughout your work. What’s your relationship with it as a place you’re from and as a source of inspiration?
Scotland is part of everything for me. I don’t need to go far to seek inspiration, and my practice grew around that. Even when a piece isn’t tied to a specific spot, the atmosphere of Scotland is always present — the wild edges, the shifting weather, and those small moments of light that make a place feel special.
What made you choose soft pastels?
They seemed like a medium people overlooked, so I gave them a try. The first time I used them, I realised how much they suited me. There’s an immediacy to them where you get pure colour, direct contact with the surface, and you can build texture without anything getting in the way. It’s just the material, the paper, and your hands.
Your art is always so colourful and vibrant. What does this represent for you?
Colour is emotional for me. I’m not trying to copy what I see; I’m trying to express how a place feels. Scotland is often thought of as grey or muted, but to me it’s full of energy. Using bold colour allows me to show that sense of intensity and warmth that I experience when I’m out in the landscape.
Can you explain your process and how a piece comes together from start to finish?
I usually start with quick, loose marks to get a sense of movement. From there, I build layers of pigment and work back and forth with the light. I don’t plan compositions too heavily, and I rarely sketch outside of my walks. I tend to take everything in, hold it in my head, then allow it to come out in the studio. I like the work to unfold on its own terms. I stop when the landscape feels settled and the atmosphere feels right and not overworked.
You mention you create your own pigments. What do you love about this?
Making pigment feels grounding. I like the physicality of grinding and mixing, and the surprise of discovering colours you can’t buy. There’s something meaningful about creating a piece from materials you’ve handled from the very beginning. For the Òr prints, I use a few of my own earthy reds.
Mountains feature in most of your work. What is it about them that entices you?
They’re both calming and exciting to me. I like the feeling of being up high, and the often quiet that comes with that. Mountains feel ancient and steady, and they have weight and presence but can still feel peaceful. I’m drawn to that combination.
We stock your Cuillin Ridge prints. What is it about these particular mountains that inspire you?
The Cuillin are different from anywhere else in Scotland. They’re sharp and volcanic and have a very distinctive energy. Their shapes and moods are fascinating to work with. On Skye, I’m also inspired by the Trotternish Ridge, the Quiraing, and basically everything on the island. It’s such a magical place, no matter the season.
How do you hope your art impacts the people who view it?
I hope it gives people a moment of connection; it might be a memory, a place they recognise, or simply a feeling. If someone feels a sense of calm, curiosity or energy, then I feel I’ve shared something real.
And finally, have you got any advice for those starting out on their artistic journey?
Stay curious and don’t wait to feel ready. Keep it playful, trust what interests you, and give yourself room to explore without pressure. And most importantly, keep going. The path appears as you walk it.
You can explore Mandy’s prints in our collection here at Òr, including her two latest artworks Between Seasons and Bloom Line I as part of our Alban collection.
