Martha found solace and release in watercolour painting during the pandemic. She has always been creative, trying many media types such as ceramics, jewelry, knitting, and acrylic; however, she has always been drawn to the fluidity and lightness of watercolour. 

As a biology teacher, her favourite subjects are nature landscapes, birds, animals, and flowers. “I love how the imperfections in florals allow for more free-flow creativity, and less need to be perfect. For animals, the proportions must be a little more exact,” said Schissler. 

She is voracious for new material and is constantly looking for inspiration in her travels, drives, and walks in the great outdoors. Her paintings are diverse from quiet, serene mountains and seascapes, to loud, bright, cartoon caricatures of her favourite animals. 

Born and raised in the Durham region, you can find Schissler at local shows and markets whenever she isn’t in the classroom!