Maud Lewis (1903-1970) was a prominent Canadian folk artist from Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. After marrying Everett Lewis in 1938, she moved to a tiny, one-room house in Marshalltown. Despite its modest size and lack of amenities, Maud transformed the house into a vibrant, colorful space by painting every surface and object. The house, now preserved at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, is a testament to her artistic spirit.
Maud spent her entire life close to her birthplace and found joy in painting, despite dealing with congenital physical challenges and rheumatoid arthritis. She once expressed her contentment with her simple life, saying that as long as she had a paintbrush, she was happy.
Maud began painting with her mother, initially making and selling Christmas cards. Her artistic journey gained wider recognition after a 1965 CBC broadcast. She received significant commissions, including one from the Nixon White House, and became well-known through books, plays, documentaries, and even a Hollywood film. Her artwork, characterized by bright, playful scenes of maritime life, animals, and seasonal changes, has made her one of Canada's most celebrated folk artists.
Below are some of her notable paintings:
