Artist Bio
Nestled in the serene coastal town of Pacific Grove, California Mary draws inspiration from the ever-changing personality of the sea at her doorstep. She paints both en Plein Air and Abstract, one discipline informing the other.
Her medium of choice is acrylics, painting in layers, glazes and using unusual tools. She paints loosely looking for large shapes and a thought provoking composition. Her goal is to leave space in the work for interpretation.
Her passion for art started at a young age, she carried her precious box of oil paints to Saturday morning classes and churned out a lot of still life paintings.
Mary pursued her artistic ambitions at Moore College of Art in Philadelphia where she developed a portfolio for a college fine arts program. As a fine arts major, she questioned the practicality of an art career and transitioned to Interior Design, resulting in a career that helped feed her creative spirit.
She studies with artists around the globe in person and through virtual platforms.
As a member of local en Plein Air organizations, Mary finds joy being on location with a community of artists that share a love of art making.
Education
Moore College of Art, Philadelphia, PA
BS Interior Design, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
O’Connor studied under Nicholas Wilton, Susan Melrath, Louise Fletcher and others associated with Creative Visionary Program.
Plein Air workshop instructors Ian Roberts, Erin Gafill, and Scott Hamill.
She is a member of the art collectives Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters, Central Coast Art Association and Creatives by the Bay.
Exhibits, Galleries, Juried Shows
Dedication from the Heart, Natividad Medical Center
Hidden Gems, Pacific Grove Art Center, Honorable Mention
Harmony, Pacific Grove Art Center, Juried Show
Chesbro Winery, Carmel Valley
Casa Gutierrez, Monterey
CCAA, Supervisor Mary Adams Office, Salinas
Miniatures, Pacific Grove Art Center
Monterey Airport, Woody’s at the Airport
Reflections Fine Art Gallery, Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA.
Sunset Cultural Center, San Carlos St at 9th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea
480 Lighthouse Gallery, Pacific Grove
Art Collectives
Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters
Central Coast Art Association
Creatives by the Bay
Copyright © Mary O’Connor Artist 2024