Marie gained her BA (HONS) and Master of Fine Art at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee.

"I see myself primarily as a realist still life oil painter, who uses an eclectic mix of objects and imagery to express interests, passions and memories from my own life. Many of my works are inspired by my childhood, such as trips to the seaside, colourful sweets, fairground amusements and visits to my grandparents.

My oil paintings are influenced by the Dutch still life painters of the 17th Century, Pieter Claesz and Willem Kalf; also by contemporary Scottish born Joyce Cairns and American photo-realist painter Ralph Goings.

I use the style method of a dark, almost black background which was frequently used by the Dutch still life painters. This technique accentuates the imagery in the foreground, bringing exuberance to the painted still life work."