Mary Lou was first inspired to painting in 2001 after many years in crafting and fiber art and has never looked back. She studied painting in watercolor  with John Trees, and drawing with Lynn Torrini. In the course of her artistic  journey, she has studied  with noted and  talented artists Nicholas Simmons, Jeanne Carbonetti, Joyce Barron Leopardo, Catherine Anderson, Linda Kemp, Cheng Khee Chee, Betsy Dillard Stroud, Robbie Laird, Tom Lynch, Marciano Martinez and Ning Yeh. She continues to  explore exciting new direction in her watermedia paintings. Mary Lou and her husband currently reside in southern California.

Artist Statement

My paintings usually start with a an unusual perspective, color idea, or a play of light and shadow. Luscious color captivates me and I love working with texture and different techniques. My aim is develop a unique style which gives me a sense of freedom from expectation and allows the painting to converse with  the viewer individually.

Juried Shows

2011, February - 2nd Place - Watercolors - Huntington Beach Art League - "Vanishing Breed" - juror William Wray

2010, December - Honorable Mention - Watercolors - Huntington Beach Art League - "Poinsettias" - juror Peggi Kroll-Roberts

2010, November - 2nd Place - Watercolors - Huntington Beach Art League -  "Vanishing Breed" - juror Gerald Brommer

2010, November - 2nd Place - Mixed Media - Huntington Beach Art League - "Phoenix Rising" - juror Gerald Brommer

2010, May - Huntington Beach Art League Spring Open

2010, April - 3rd Place, Huntington Beach Art League - "Pretty in Pink" - juror Timothy J. Clark

2009 - Honorable Mention - Watercolor Artist Magazine, Creativity Challenge for "Birds of Play"

2008 - CCP Videos Winter Treasures Art Show for "Pretty in Pink"

2007 - CCP Videos Winter Still Life Art Show for "Window Dressing"

2006 - CCP Videos Summer Art Show for "Bench at Park Guell, Barcelona"

2005-2006 - Chrysler Artists at Work - 3 paintings were juried into the show. "Intimate", "Clarity" and "..to Betsy".  I was a guest at the opening reception in Detroit, Michigan on February 16, 2006. The paintings were exhibited at Bally's Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada and Chrysler Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

2005 - CCP Videos Summer Florals Art Show for "by any other name"

2004-2005 - Chrysler Artists at Work - I was a guest at the Opening Reception in Detroit, Michigan on February 10, 2005. My painting "Window Dressing" was on loan to Chrysler Corporation for a period of 18 months, and was included in an exhibit in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2004, December - Honorable Mention, Huntington Beach Art League - Chrysler Imperial

2004, November - First Place,  Huntington Beach Art League - Spike Flower

2004, October - Honorable Mention, Huntington Beach Art League - Carbonetti Class

2003-2004  - Chrysler Artists at Work - traveling exhibit for 18 months. The painting, "by any other name" was purchased by Chrysler Corporation  in June 2005.

Professional Affiliations

San Diego Watercolor Society, Associate Member

Huntington Beach Art League, Associate Member