Dorothea Weise
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Dorothea Weise, a German-educated graphic designer worked commercially for over 10 years in Germany and later in Toronto.
A full time artist for over 30 years, she employs a variety of painting techniques, styles and medium; from watercolours which can be realistic or interpretive, acrylic canvases, detailed paper etchings to delicate floral fantasies.
Dorothea has exhibited in solo exhibitions and group shows, winning many awards. She is represented in private collections throughout Canada, U.S.A., Japan and Europe.
Dorothea paints actively, continuing to experiment in all media, and also conducts classes in creative painting techniques.
The themes of Dorothea's latest paintings include intuitive fantasies of Earth, Sky, Water and Fire Elements.
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I was born in wartime Germany and spent my childhood in a coal mining region surrounded by industrial rubble, soot, and stark greys. There was very little colour in my world, and nature felt distant. Even the local cemetery became a place where we tried to bring beauty, decorating what we could with small acts of imagination. Those early experiences left a lasting impression on me and shaped the way I see and create art.
From a young age, I was drawn to drawing and painting, despite limited access to materials. Over time, and especially after moving to Canada and experiencing its natural beauty, my connection to colour became much stronger. I began to understand colour as something deeply expressive, with each one carrying its own vibration and emotional meaning.
In my work, bright and vibrant colours often reflect energy, joy, and lightness, while darker earth tones bring grounding and balance. I am inspired by fantasy, feeling, and intuition, and I allow these elements to guide my creative process. I am increasingly drawn to abstract and semi-abstract expression, where emotion and imagination lead the way.
For me, art is both personal expression and emotional healing. It is a way to transform experience into colour, feeling, and form, and to share a sense of beauty and possibility with others.
