The art of tarot

I’m not sure how long the idea to hand paint my own tarot deck has been brewing. It’s a bit like when I write…it is there in the back of my mind before the timing is right to bring it forward. In any case, I got serious about this huge undertaking sometime in 2020.

I had always loved art and colour, but my technique was rusty. Where on earth would I start…where I always start, with learning and relearning. I spent over a year in art classes, brushing up on what I remembered from senior school and learning about colour, composition, perspective, blending with acrylics and painting with watercolour and Indian Ink. What a journey it has been…an absolute love despite the daunting task of attempting to hand paint 78 tarot cards.

Most tarot decks are created with imagery and graphic design. There are a few beautiful hand painted decks, and you’ll know them when you see them. The late Poppy Palin’s Everyday Enchantment Tarot is one. When hand painting, there are no shortcuts. Each card is literally a painting. So while it’s challenging, hand painting my tarot is also incredibly meaningful. It is also done from pure creativity, and that process allows for psychic ability to flow. It allows for many pathways and directions and the choices I make in these cards incorporate not only traditional tarot meanings, but a clairvoyance too.

Simply put, hand painting my own tarot deck has been, and is, a labor of love for me that draws together such creativity and spiritual connection that it generates anticipation that is quite unexpected.

The Chariot…the small boat leaves its safe harbour, and while the wind whips up a storm, there is promise in the journey ahead.

65 comments

  1. That is gorgeous. As a water sign it is all about water for me. However on that card I see the feeling of being free.It could also say stormy days ahead. I love the tarot as well, as each card depending on the artist tells a story. Trying to find a right deck to work with during the last forty years of doing readings has not been easy. If I had an opportunity to own a deck that actually had the messages as yours does I would purchase it.

  2. Can’t wait to see your hand painted Tarot Deck, I am sure it is beautiful! I would like to learn from you and would buy your Tarot cards.

  3. Congratulations on this creative intuitive endeavor. A labor of love indeed. I can’t wait to own a deck.

  4. You make me dream of my days on the beach
    In the piece of art I see a beautiful sail boat leaving rough waters to seek calmer waters, but it also shows the elements of earth(sand) water,and air, the breeze filling the sails .And is that the sun shining through ?
    Maryann. Pure joy ,Please continue to allow your gifts to shine and bring light and love to all of us

  5. Amazing & beautiful! That’s what I call passionately spiritual 👏💗. I watch you regularly.

  7. Hi Maryanne
    please let me know when they are on sale as i Would like to purchase a set of your cards
    Thanks
    Terry

    1. When they are finished and published, I will let everyone know where they can purchase them. Thank you.

  12. Maryann, your hand painted cards are beautiful. This creative and spiritual undertaking and your desire to share it with our community is so generous. Thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us.

  15. Congratulations on your new endeavor, Maryann. I think your art is lovely and I can’t wait to see what your new deck will look like. Please keep us informed. BTW, you are my favorite reader — so well-informed, talented, and lovely. Thank you for all that you do in keeping us “in the loop.” I couldn’t have gotten through these past few years without you. I’ve even become a better tarot reader through watching your interpretations (If I may say so myself).

  17. How do I get this new deck? I’ve followed you for years and your 1st deck as soon as it came out. I’m taking a course on “Mediumship, Level Up,” with Kim from Intuitview and Debbie from Firebird. Also connecting with Toni from Shining Hawk tarot. Been reading on the current news using your deck and would love to share directly with you. How can I set up an appointment? Namaste BIGLY, Lois (Einhorn), I had the name before “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”!

    1. Thankyou. I will be letting everyone know when I finish painting the deck. It’s a little way off yet.

  18. As someone who sees the world as shapes, textures, hues, tints and tones, I
    can relate. I too will have an idea for an art or craft project, and it will ruminate in my mind for some time before I’m ready to bring if forth fully formed or almost fully formed. Having said that, I can’t imagine undertaking such a project and I take my hat off to you👏🙌👍 I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labor of ‘LOVE’🥰

  19. You are beautiful and have inspired me to learn Tarot. There are few words to describe how valuable your insights have been to me, an American Astrologer living in Hawaii, suffering through our collective Pluto return. Bravo for your artistic endeavor. If I can purchase your cards by sending you a check, please let me know.

  20. Hi Maryann,
    I have been watching your YouTube videos on and off since 2019. I am so happy I found you!! You bring so much hope and Love into this crazy world we are living in. Love your readings and everything you do. I can’t wait to see your beautiful tarot deck when it is finished. I want to buy a deck. Let me know when it’s available for purchase. Many Many Blessings to you!
    Catherine 😘💗

  22. Stunning artwork! You are so talented! Looking forward to the finished product💖

  24. Maryann, your work is so beautiful and just to know you are doing this is an inspiration. Not that I am an artist but it somehow awakens something of a creative nature in me. An awareness to see. Thank you!

  25. I enjoyed this, Maryann. Thank you. Especially liked your comment about the child at the base of the tree on the 4 of Wands. All the best to you in reaching your finish line with the deck and book. Oh my, if I had half your energy …. 🎈

  28. Marianne, I think your hand painted tarot cards are the most wonderful idea and offerings to yourself and for others in the world.

    It was amazing. With the first look at your picture I was connected with what is happening in my life … Indeed with the very last thoughts I had before turning on this post and seeing it. I was drawn to study every detail of it and it’s symbolisms. Among the threat of home on fire, I felt great hope in the light around me. In sailing through the opening of light in a boat with the top streamer of light. Hope in the spheres of light of my loved ones around me, who know me. Great hope in the nearness of the connecting tunnel at the upper right, although I seem to be sailing away from it, in turbulent waters. Guess there’s more work to do.

    This is a beautiful, powerful card, I’m going back to see more in it. I may know little of tarot, but I know art that deeply moves me. This does. And I believe it will move others.

    I love that this came from you, who is doing so much good in the world and who sees so clearly. I can hardly wait to see the rest of your cards and to watch you practice through them. Very, very spiritually connected and special. God Bless each and every one, and you!

    Love,
    Jody from Florida

  30. I am so excited for you and I am an artist so I know how much of yourself you put in each work of art. Love and light to you, your family and fur babies
    Marsha

  31. These are beautiful!!! I would love to have one of your decks. They would certainly bring beauty, wisdom and love.❤️

  32. Absolutely amazing! Being a Cancer, with Scorpio and Pisces in my chart, that Ace of Cups really spoke to me. I love the wave curling over the cup and the yellow and blue tribute to Ukraine.

  33. I am an artist too. and your watercolor painting is beautiful! You have a natural gift of bringing the work to life, so the viewer can feel the atmosphere you have created. I plan on purchasing your deck.

  35. That is gorgeous! I can’t wait to see the rest. Your light is shining from the card, how beautiful.

  36. Thank you for sending this out. It made me realize tasks ahead of me for mastering my gifts include dedication, learning/relearning/unlearning, patience, and focus. If someone who is as connected to spirit as you are takes on a labor of love as big as this tarot deck, I am encouraged to continue in my studies of astrology and tarot. I look forward to your decks completion so I can hold it myself. Currently saving for your oracle deck. Love and blessings to you from Minnesota!

  37. Thank you, Maryann, for the background information on your hand-painted tarot deck. I am happy that you enjoyed the process, although a daunting undertaking. I can’t wait to have one, I am sure it will be my favorite. Love, Ginny

    1. When the deck is completed and published, I’ll let everyone know should they wish to purchase them. Thankyou.

  40. Love your artwork, it is childlike, whimsical, dreamy……but not innocent….has an underlying intensity that comes through…..so appropriate for the message of Tarot! I was taught Chinese calligraphy and landscape painting years ago by a expert artist, a woman from Taiwan, so I totally understand your love of Chinese ink and that style of art. Have a wonderful time with it all, keep creating, and love your spiritual empathic journey, thanks so much for sharing yourself with us all. Carol.🥰

  41. Dear Mary Ann,
    How lovely to hear from you! I never miss your posts on You Tube, and have been a devoted follower of yours for some time. I have so much love and respect for you and for your perception. Your insight continues to bring me more profound understanding of what is going on in our world, where we all continue to evolve TOGETHER, whether we like it or not!
    I think it’s wonderful that you are creating your own Tarot deck, and will look forward to seeing it “in action”! I am a very creative person, myself, and understand the drive to express and share my perceptions with others through what I create.
    Thank you for sharing your inner light with all who are fortunate enough to experience it. May many, many blessings always be yours!
    With love and sincerity,
    Hilary Gleason
    Fairfield, Iowa USA

  43. What a beautiful labor of love. Thank you for sharing and for being with us for the last 4 years, really, 4 years??? 💕

  44. The sample viewed of your hand painted tarot cards is exquisite to me! This particular card touches my heart and soul, literally. I love the ocean and bays; being on a boat! Fabulous Maryann! Thank you!

  46. I so love and appreciate you! I love everything you do from your reading to monthly tarot. You are one of the best. Your beautiful and so talented inside and out. I love the water colored tarot cards and will purchase a set as soon as they are ready! Thanks for being the awesome caring, empathetic, intelligent person that you are. Your intuitiveness tickles me! Love ya! Rosemarie Chauvin

  48. How wonderful! I love all your work! Is your Oracle deck still available for purchase?

  49. Sounds really wonderful. Any idea when you will be finished and ready to produce a tarot deck?

  50. Beautiful Maryann! Thank you for your artistic expression of light, color and love. I look forward to experiencing the full deck! Your insights are a blessing.

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