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Mary
studied
Illustration at Sheridan College,
and has a Fine Art History degree from the University
of Toronto.
Artist's
Statement:
I
took up painting in 1979 after an illness that kept
me housebound for many months. I attempted to draw,
in colour, my mother-in-law's farm house as a thank-you
for her help while I had been ill. My friend saw the
drawing and realizing my interest in art, offered
to introduce me to her father who had been an artist
all his life. Arthur Lathwell became my first art
teacher. He encouraged me to observe from nature all
manner of shapes, colours and values.
I
continued my education at Sheridan College where John
Woods also encouraged this observation of nature.
While at Sheridan I took a keen interest in drawing
the figure in costume. After leaving Sheridan, I joined
Visual Arts Brampton and joined the weekly portrait
classes, which I continue to participate in today.
My
paintings are a diary of places I have been. When
I look at a painting it will often bring back memories
of what was happening and how I was feeling at that
time in my life.
My
paintings are not only a diary of my life but also
a collection of works that reflect my love of nature
and my interest in the human spirit. I often
see sadness and tiredness in the aged; pain and loneliness
in the middle aged; sometimes hope and happiness;
and sometimes what the youth call "attitude".
The study of human nature is intriguing. I may not
always know the story behind the person I paint but
I try to see something of their experience. Painting
others gives me a greater understanding of the human
spirit and I believe I gain a greater understanding
of myself and my sameness.
Sales
and commissions welcome.
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