| “ | I was recently asked why I paint flowers. I have a black thumb. I am unable to grow anything in my garden except for an occasional weed. After much aggravation, I decided that the only way I was going to enjoy any floral abundance was to paint them. This way I would always have several blooms to come home to instead of the patches of dirt and weeds that now inhabit my garden. I have even envisioned putting my paintings out in the yard and holding a garden party so everyone can see my beautiful flowers! After proliferating my home with my art, I began to get hungry and scrounged around in my refrigerator. Instead of eating what I had found, I discovered the inspiration for my next painting and began to paint fruits and vegetables. Secretly, I hoped that by painting these wonderful things I would not be as tempted to eat them. Unfortunately, I’m sure you can tell that battle wasn’t won. But I sure do enjoy them! | ” |
Country: United States
Email: send letter
Contact: Beavercreek, OH
Biography:
| Mary-Anna Welch is an artist from Beavercreek, Ohio. She grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, and earned a degree in Art Education from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. After graduating, Mary-Anna taught art in Illinois public and private school systems for over 10 years. A few years later, she went back to her alma mater and earned her MA in Art Education where she met her husband, Gary, while he was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base. He told her that if she would marry him, she would see the world. The opposite proved true; she lived in the Midwest while he was off serving his country in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Mary-Anna and Gary decided to settle in Dayton with their daughter, Stephanie, because of the good schools and the abundance of art opportunities in the area. Mary-Anna experimented with several different mediums for over 20 years, but eventually rediscovered her passion for painting and decided to focus on watercolor. Her work in watercolors has evolved from the very abstract to a more graphic, non-traditional interpretation of her subjects. She now incorporates her oil painting techniques of blending color on the canvas into her watercolor paintings. This results in a blend of traditional colors and images with contemporary styles and forms. When asked about her subject matter, Mary-Anna responds, “I have a black thumb and can’t grow anything but weeds. By painting my garden I always have a rainbow of colors to enjoy, no matter what season.” Mary-Anna continues to share her love of art by teaching art classes in her studio, local art centers or at the Adult Continuing Education Center. Most days find her busy painting in her studio or out gathering ideas in a nearby garden. |
