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