Paintings by River City Art Association’s president Mary Mayhew will be featured throughout January in the Artist of the Month gallery in the lobby of the Vigo County Public Library at Seventh and Poplar streets in downtown Terre Haute.
Mary’s Artist’s Statement
I have two main interests in painting—people, which is my usual subject of interest indoors, either from life or a photograph, and the landscape on location, often called ‘Plein Air’ painting, from the French words meaning ‘in the open air’.
The paintings in this display were all painted outside on location. Most were done in one session of about three hours; occasionally, I will return to a spot on another day for a second session. (This only works if the time of day and weather conditions are similar to the first painting session!).
I love the challenge of trying to capture what is in front of me outside, all while the sunlight is changing. It forces close observations and quick decisions.
I prefer to use oil paint, as in all these paintings. However, Plein Air can be as simple as taking a pencil and paper outside and drawing a leaf, a flower, or a tree. The connection with nature and our surroundings is very rewarding; trying to draw or paint an object is one of the best ways of getting to know it.
I also enjoy my interactions with people outside who stop to talk to me. I find peoples’ interest in art and in what I’m doing to be very heartwarming. I like to encourage others that they could do this too.
River City Art Association 