Irena Massarella

I am an emerging impressionist artist based in Colchester, Essex, working primarily in

oils, watercolour and pen and wash. My inspiration comes from the changing light,

atmosphere and character of the landscapes, coastlines and towns of Essex, Suffolk and

beyond. I particularly enjoy painting en plein air, responding directly to the colours,

weather and energy of a place.

My interests are broad and eclectic. I love sketching scenes of everyday life in pen and

watercolour, capturing fleeting moments as they unfold. Flowers and botanical subjects

feature strongly in my work, where I enjoy building delicate layers of watercolour

glazes. I am equally drawn to architectural subjects, especially historic buildings and

ruins, where I can happily lose myself in intricate detail. Alongside these interests, I

continue to develop my textile art and a growing passion for miniature painting.

In 2026, I was honoured to receive Highly Commended in the Cambridge Plein Air

Artist of the Year competition, an important milestone that encouraged me to continue

developing my practice. In 2025, I completed a modern interpretation of John

Constable’s Wivenhoe Park, celebrating this iconic landscape through a contemporary

impressionist approach. The painting is now on permanent display at Wivenhoe House

Hotel, overlooking the very scene that inspired both Constable and my own work.

I am Chair of Dedham Art Society and an exhibiting member of both Dedham Art Society

and Colchester Art Society. I value being part of the local art community, whether

painting alongside fellow artists, exhibiting my work or encouraging others to discover

the enjoyment of painting.

Entirely self-taught, I discovered painting during my recovery from cancer. What began

as a source of comfort has grown into a lifelong passion. Alongside my own work, I

founded iPaint4Hope, organising exhibitions with local artists to support Cancer

Research UK while also donating a proportion of my artwork sales. For me, fundraising

through art is about giving something back.

For me, painting is about paying attention—to light, place and those quiet, often

overlooked moments that make everyday life special. Whether I am painting outdoors or

quietly sketching in a café or garden, I hope my work invites others to slow down, look a

little closer and rediscover the beauty found in everyday places.

For more information, please visit www.ArtByIrenaGrazia.com , email

artbyirena.grazia@gmail.com , or follow my work on Instagram (@artbyirenagrazia) and

Facebook (Artby IrenaGrazia).

Art   ■  Purpose  ■  Hope