
Marsha Newby is a Canadian oil painter based in Hamilton, Ontario, whose emotionally charged figurative works and bold use of colour captivate collectors seeking depth and expressive resonance. Known for her vibrant palette and intimate self-portraits, Newby explores the subtleties of human emotion through carefully layered oil paintings that blend classical technique with contemporary sensitivity. With exhibitions across Canada and Europe, her work continues to gain recognition for its visceral impact and striking visual language.
MARSHA NEWBY
Marsha Newby
(b. 1962, Burlington, ON | Lives and works in Hamilton, ON. Canada)
Marsha Newby is a Canadian oil painter known for her vibrant use of color and figurative style. Her work is marked by sensuous hues and an emotional intensity that speaks directly to the viewer. With a deep emotional resonance, her paintings attract collectors who seek art that evokes a profound, visceral response.
Marsha Newby began her painting journey in the 1980s, inspired by her first encounter with contemporary galleries in New York City. A graduate of the University of Guelph (B.A. in Fine Art), her work developed a unique color palette deeply influenced by the emotional resonance of Mark Rothko’s use of color. Newby also sought to capture the dynamic interplay of emotion and movement, drawing from the classical traditions of artists like Leonardo da Vinci.
Working primarily with high-pigment oils, Marsha Newby delves into the subtleties of emotion through intimate self-portraits, focusing on body parts as a means of exploring the inner world. Her paintings emerge from the silent language of thought, capturing the space where words dissolve. By blending delicate hues and using the tension of background colors, she portrays complex emotional states with striking beauty and drama. Her process is a fusion of meticulous planning and intuitive execution, resulting in works that carry a raw emotional impact, resonating deeply with the viewer.
Over the past three years, Marsha Newby has exhibited both in Canada and Italy, showcasing her work at prestigious venues such as the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the Canadian Federation of Artists in Vancouver, and numerous group shows across Toronto and southern Ontario. Key highlights include a residency and subsequent exhibition in Tuscany, Italy (Fall 2024, La Macina di San Cresci), as well as a residency in Nova Scotia (2023). Newby’s work is held in prominent private collections across Canada and Europe.
As Marsha Newby’s practice evolves, her work continues to gain recognition for its distinctive style and innovative use of color. Recently, she relocated to a larger studio space, marking the beginning of a new chapter focused on exploring large-scale works.