Mary's statement/brief bio:
As a representational painter, I strive to interpret a subject on
canvas so that its essence is recognizable to anyone viewing it. I
usually paint directly from life, whether outdoors painting a
landscape en plein air, or working in the studio painting a still life
set-up.
No matter if I amworking outdoors or in the studio, though, I employ many of the same painting techniques. Most of my work is painted alla prima, or
completed entirely in one painting session. If I am using oil paints,
that means I work wet-into-wet. When I am working with pastels, I
often complete the painting in one session without touch-ups. While I
focus my attention simultaneously on several design elements, I work
to create a strong composition having a good value structure and
colors that compliment the subject. As one of my goals is to uplift
the spirit and convey a sense of timeless beauty in my paintings, all
these things ultimately serve to design a cohesive artwork of poetic
beauty and delight.
I was born and raised in West Virginia and received my BA in Art from West Liberty State College there. I am now a resident of the San Francisco Bay area. After a long hiatus from fine art, I began painting again in the mid-1990's.
In addition to my college art education, I have studied with notable
Bay area artists Brigitte Curt, Jim Smyth, and Van Waldron.
I also have taken painting workshops with artists Ted Goerschner, Alexander
Zimin, Robert Regis Dvorak, Brian Blood, Kim Fancher Lordier, and
Terri Ford. I have participated in one-person and group shows as well
as plein air painting competitions. My paintings are in many private
collections throughout the US and Europe.
Mary K. Stahl
art@marystahl.com
http://www.marystahl.com/
650.493.5742
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