"Maud's Happy Mug" Maud Lewis | Cupfull Collection 8x8 Original Oil (framed)

The Cupfull Collection is here! During July I participated in an Instagram painting challenge with cups inspired by a female artist or designer. It was fun to learn about each creative woman and create a cup inspired by their contribution to art and design.

Day 13/14: This cup is influenced by Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis (1903-1970). Her naïve and cheerful paintings depicted the landscapes, animals, and flowers of Nova Scotia where she lived. From a young age, she struggled with rheumatoid arthritis making it a challenge do things, even to paint. She married Everett Lewis, a fish seller, at 34 and he gifted her the first real set of paints she ever had. They lived a meager life in a tiny one room house that also was her studio. Despite her impoverished circumstances, Maud painted happiness on almost every surface of their home and covered many cards and boards with nostalgic paintings which she sold for very little. Her home is preserved in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. I believe the simplicity of red enamelware cup was a given as Maud was known to paint on bread boxes and tins, which makes me wonder if she ever painted a cup like this?

“Maud’s Happy Mug” is an original 8”x8” oil painting on a canvas panel. This piece is signed on the front. The painting is wired and framed. It comes with a certificate of authenticity.

©Sharon Sudduth