In May 2022 I started posting profiles of artists, crafters and writers who depicted poultry in their work. Some of those folks were inspired by the imagery of birds, while others had a flock of their own and wanted to share their love of chickens.
I’m neither artistic or particularly crafty, but I can appreciate those who make things with their hands from ideas in their heads.
This is the 31st post in the series ‘When Art Meets Chickens’. Mary-Lou is clearly an artist that is not only inspired by the shapes and colours of chickens, but their personalities and ability to entertain the folks around them.
My name is Mary-Lou Ploss, and I am a German professional watercolour artist and illustrator. My art covers a wide range of subjects, as I find beauty in all things and love to explore diverse directions, trusting where my creative intuition leads me. A typical work week involves a mix of commissions, personal painting (landscapes, illustrations, portraits, and animals), teaching watercolour workshops, and working at events as a live painter and guest sketch artist. I discovered watercolours about five years ago, and it has been my sole passion ever since.
How does that influence your work?
Because I love to immerse myself in various subjects and styles, I consider myself more of a creative generalist than a rigid specialist. This versatility allows me to take on a broader and more interesting array of projects.
What’s your history with creating art?
Painting has always been a deep passion. Despite art being a huge part of my identity, I didn’t initially pursue a professional art education. Instead, I studied Human-Computer Interaction (UI/UX Design) and followed up with a Master’s degree in Game Design. More importantly, this time was crucial for personal growth and meeting wonderful souls who entered my life. In hindsight, I feel I first needed to start the process of finding myself before I could fully pursue my artistic dreams. Since rediscovering watercolours, I dedicate time every week to honing my skills and bringing a smile to people’s faces through my artwork.
How has your practice changed over time?
The main shift was the change in medium – moving decisively from acrylics to watercolours. Beyond that, my practice is in a constant state of evolution because I dedicate so much time to it. I consistently drill both specific watercolour techniques and general painting theories, such as color, composition, and anatomy.
What work is most fulfilling?
My fulfillment comes threefold: losing myself completely while working on a new painting; watching the joy and discovery in others as I teach them watercolorus; and sharing my art at events, especially giving away small live sketches as gifts for the guests.
What was that process like?
I usually start a new piece with sketching to define the composition and form, and then I slowly begin adding the layers of watercolour to bring the subject to life. The most challenging and interesting aspect of watercolours is that the best work emerges when the colour is given a certain degree of freedom to behave naturally. It’s like a dance where each partner contributes their own unique movement to the overall performance.
Furthermore, once the colour is on the paper, it is incredibly unforgiving – you can’t change too much. This makes it a demanding medium, but this very quality also offers an incredible amount of creative freedom and results in a lightness, fluidity, and smoothness that is truly unique to watercolour.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
It truly fills me with happiness when people tell me that my illustrations are full of life, character and love. Hearing that they can feel that I put my soul into every piece is the most meaningful compliment I can receive. In my animal paintings, I focus on injecting personality and warmth. Many of the subjects subtly display a positive vibe or a hint of a smile, reflecting the joy and deep connection I feel when painting them. One of the most rewarding moments is when someone looking at my animal portraits finds a specific creature they feel personally connected to. The exclaimed joy and the wonderful transformation I see on their faces in that moment is something I absolutely love.
What motivates you to create?
My motivation comes from different places. It could be a striking photograph I see, a captivating landscape that inspires an on-the-spot plein air sketch, or a story I read that sparks an idea for an illustration that just pops into my head.
First experience with chickens?
My grandparents had chickens in their yard. As children, we would collect earthworms and make them a ‘rainworm soup’, which we would mix with their regular chicken feed. I definitely remember them pecking at my legs, so I’ve always been a little bit scared of them too! Furthermore, I’ve always been particularly fond of the chickens featured in the classic children’s book series, Pettson and Findus (or Pettersson und Findus in German).
Do you have chickens?
Not yet, but hopefully next spring, once I move out of the city! While I don’t have them yet, chickens are already impacting my everyday life as eggs are an important part of my diet, and we are actively planning to raise our own.
How do chickens inspire your work?
I appreciate them greatly for the things they give us – especially the valuable nutrients in their eggs. More simply, I just enjoy watching them; they are full of character and make wonderful subjects! Their character is a wonderful inspiration.
You can check out more of Mary-Lou’s art on her website and Instagram
Thanks to Mary-Lou for sharing her art, used with permission.
“Where nerds and hens flock together.”
Bitchin' Chickens 
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