Mary Watkins is a classically trained artist whose passion is to communicate the ever-present beauty of life. Her elegant representational oil paintings are a visual record of moments of discovery and wonder, often with what would normally pass unnoticed.
Mary grew up in the desert of eastern New Mexico, and was inspired from an early age by the paintings of Peter Hurd. His paintings helped Mary to see the beauty in what she had once perceived as the barren New Mexico landscape. However, it wasn't until later in life that Mary began to seriously pursue her dream of becoming an artist, and rediscovered the gift of finding beauty in the mundane.
In 1995, Mary founded the 3 Muses School of Fine Arts in Austin, Texas. For the next twelve years, she enthusiastically taught drawing and painting to both children and adults. In 2007, Mary closed the school in order to devote her time and talents to developing her own artistic vision. She currently teaches small classes in a private studio in central Austin two days a week, and devotes the rest of her time to painting.
Memberships
Oil Painters of America
Plein Air Austin
Juried Exhibitions
2008, 2009 Salon International, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio
2009 Bosque Art Classic, Clifton, Texas
2009 Rio Brazos Art Festival, Granbury, Texas
2009 Plein Air Austin Corridor of Arts, Austin, Texas
2008 Oil Painters of America Western Regional Show, Devin Galleries, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
2010 25th Annual Bosque Art Classic, Clifton, Texas
Solo Exhibitions
2006 Adams Avenue Gallery, Austin
2010 Bass Concert Hall at University of Texas, Austin
Awards
2009 Salon International Award for Artistic Excellence
