About Grace Marquez

Hi there and welcome!
I'm Grace, painter of the underwater world. I'm an avid technical diver, wreck diver and cave diver as well as a scuba instructor.
If you’re a water lover who yearns for the magical escape that can be found just below the surface, then you’ve come to the right place.

From a young age, I was drawn to the mysterious depths of the underwater world. The recurring dream of gliding through the cool, azure waters, surrounded by a shimmering school of silvery-blue jackfish, etched itself into my memory. These dreamlike encounters felt like a profound connection with something beyond myself.
As I grew older, life took me on various journeys, and for a while, that dream faded into the recesses of my mind. It wasn't until I returned to the Philippines as an adult, standing on the deck of a boat in Palawan, that the memory resurfaced. There, beneath the gentle ripples, I witnessed a group of jackfish swirling in a dance that mirrored my childhood dreams.
It was during this trip that I took my very first scuba dive, guided by an intuition I couldn't ignore. The moment I submerged into the depths, I felt like I was returning to a place I'd always belonged.
My journey into scuba diving wasn't without its challenges. I grappled with feelings of discomfort and fear, as many do when faced with the vastness of the underwater world. But I persevered, guided by exceptional mentors and a commitment to expanding my comfort zone.
Through these experiences, I've come to truly appreciate the beauty and wonder of underwater environments. It's not just about the art of diving; it's about the profound connection between nature and the human spirit, a connection I convey through my artwork.

My Creative Process
My paintings often start while on a dive. While I'm underwater, I'm experiencing things and seeing sights I already want to share in colours and compositions. My dives are the start of every painting I've ever made which capture the wonder and awe of the light and darkness, movement and life in the water world. Back in the studio, I place textures, strokes and layers of colour to paint the memory and impression of that moment.
The Powerful Transformative Power of Water
Water changes and absorbs light as it moves through it. It shapes rocks and geology as it passes over it and whole environments will change over time as water reclaims it.
Join me as we dive deep into the canvas and explore the uncharted territories of art, creativity, and the awe-inspiring beauty of underwater realms.
My Bio
I've exhibited in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and France. My work is found in private collections around the world.
Features:
- X-Ray Magazine - September 1, 2023
- Diver Magazine - Summer 2023 issue
- The Big Scuba Podcast - episode 77 - June 21, 2021
- Canadian Scuba News - February 8, 2022
- Diver Magazine - Spring 2020 issue
- Quest Magazine - Volume 16, number 3
Residencies:
2022 - September at Studio Faire in Nérac France.
Shows and Awards:
March 5 - 8, 2020.
Education:
1996 - Sheridan College, Computer Graphics
1994 - Queen's University, B.F.A.
Organizations:
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