The Beaufort Art Association will feature artist Mary Ann Putzier at their Gallery at 1001 Bay Street, February 18 through March 29.
Her show is entitled “Flora, Fauna & Faces” in watercolor and porcelain painting. The reception is Friday, February 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“I have always wanted to be an artist.” Mary Ann has been doing art for as long as she can remember. Her mother perched her on the potty chair with paper and pencils. Her mother had the artistic gene, being too poor and busy for formal training, encouraged her children to pursue art. Mary Ann up in a large farm family in Minnesota.
Taught by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in elementary and secondary schools, whom she much admired, she joined this teaching order of nuns and attained a Masters degree in Art Education. In 1973 she left them but continued teaching in Minnesota. In 1978 she married Matt Putzier, a native of Wisconsin, and a whole new life emerged.
They own a lake home near Danbury, WI, where Mary Ann teaches several week long workshops during the summer months in her large studio. Winters are spent in Sun City Hilton Head where she teaches classes and private students. She is also involved with an after school kids art program and adult classes at the Society of Bluffton Artists gallery.
In the early 80’s when Mary Ann finally had time to devote to her own personal work, she decided to focus on watercolor and porcelain painting. Although the final product is different, the process is similar, and the two art forms are compatible. Both provide much creative satisfaction.
Inspiration for her painting usually comes from photos taken on the numerous travels she and her husband have enjoyed over the past 30 years. Once chided by an art show judge for her portrait of a Viet Nam man as taken from a National Geographic photo, the assistant assured him that it was painted from an original photo.
“Flora, Fauna and Faces captures what I like doing best. All fall into the portrait category. Each painting tries to capture the likeness and character of the subject, whether it be a rose, a bird or a child. Producing a convincing portrait is my challenge.”
Being an educator at heart, Mary Ann is always open to expanding her art horizons. Every year she will search out a class or related art opportunity. Most enjoyable were two summer plein aire workshops with Marsh and Uschi Niner (Hilton Head Island) in Burgundy, France. In May, 2008, she will be joining Lynda Potter (Bluffton) in Umbria, Italy for a week long session.
Ann’s advice: Paint what you love and it will be a winner. Do something creative everyday. Study the masters. Learn what made them great.
