Mary's Reflections & Painting Lineage
"Invitation to the Dance"
This past year, I was invited to be a faculty member of RealismLive Online. In July 2024, gear in hand, I went down to our beautiful St. Croix River with the intention of painting the cliffs at the boat landing.
Unfortunately, the local authentic paddlewheel riverboat was docked there, blocking my view. I was perplexed until I heard the captain call out my name and invite me to paint from the stern (if I could get there at daybreak and paint for an hour or so, before work began on the boat).
Over the course of the next 5 mornings, “Invitation to the Dance” (26 x 32” oil on linen, completely plein air) came to be. The video compilation of this thrilling experience aired to students worldwide in mid-November 2024. ~M
"Invitation to the Dance"
26 x 32" oil on linen, plein air, 2024
Lineage
• Demo for Streamline Publishing's Realism Live Online (November 2024)
Painting "Invitation to the Dance"
Painting on the stern of Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tour's authentic paddlewheel riverboat, the "Taylors Falls Princess", was a joy!
Painting "Invitation to the Dance"
Painting "Invitation to the Dance"
"Be Still and Know"
I loved painting the little plein air “In Stillness”, along our beautiful St. Croix River. Sometimes a subject is so wonderful feels like a small canvas just leaves too much ‘on the table’; too much emotion unexplored or unexpressed. The challenges of working large on location make me a better painter. When the light of the day and the mood are fairly constant, though, my odds are greater for holding the impression from beginning to end. Having the color study helps. This was painted over 2 days on location, and finished in the studio. ~M
"Be Still and Know"
18 x 32" oil on linen, plein air and studio, 2023
Lineage
• Exhibited in the New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art's International Painting Competition, New Salem, MA (May to June 2025)
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
"In Stillness"
There are days when I am not inspired to paint. Usually its because I am tired for one reason or another. Its times like these that I need to remind myself that I determine my experience. I need to walk the walk. I need to be still. I need to listen. In this stillness I shift into a receptive state of mind. Invariably, then, almost as my reward for lugging out my paints and getting this far, some magic happens; the gift appears as a perfect spot of light, or a glimmering saturation of balanced color. This was one of those days. ~M
"In Stillness"
8 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2023
Lineage
• Exhibited in the American Impressionist Society's AIS Impressions: Small Works Showcase, Fallbrook Art Center, CA (February to March 2025)
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
“Winter Sun at the Mill”
A buttery light from the low winter sun moves gently around this pocket of open water below the flowage at the D.D. Kennedy Mill Site in Polk County, Wisconsin. I love how the deep snow has softened the cattail mounds and cushioned the hard-edged construction of the dam. Painted en plein air and finished in the studio, I sought, throughout, to hold close the sound of open water, a sound that is very nourishing in the deep mid-winter. ~M
“Winter Sun at the Mill”
24 x 32" oil on linen, plein air, 2023
Lineage
• Exhibited in the American Society of Marine Artists 19th National Exhibition, hosted by 2 Fine Art Museums, including the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, MN (September 2023 to May 2024)
“Nature’s Rhythm - Cattails”
The elegance of these cattails, battered and worn by wind and winter, are still part of a small but thriving ecosystem. These leftovers from last season will soon become nourishing sediment for the next generation on this shoreline.
My first attraction to them is that metaphor. Only after I settle in and start studying them do I see the extraordinary interplay of contrasts: crisp light against the deep backdrop, warm colors dancing against cool, and other less obvious contrasts. For example, delicate with sturdy and fragile with firm.
The more I paint, the more I understand how important it is to notice and truly identify, as best as we can, ALL these things that touch our souls. That is at the CORE of how we each find our voice!
“Nature’s Rhythm - Cattails”
20 x 16" oil on linen, plein air, 2023
Lineage
• Exhibited in Oil Painters of America's National 33rd National Juried Exhibition, Marks Art's Gladys and Karl T. Wiedemann Gallery, Wichita, KS (April 2024 to May 2024)
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
"Gloria's Homeplace"
My sister-in-law remembers playing in the loft of this hand hewn, timber framed barn, built by her great grandfather in the 1870s. He homesteaded this storied land when Minnesota was a young state. The farm is still in the family. ~M
"Gloria's Homeplace"
18 x 24" oil on linen, plein air, 2020
Lineage
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
• Outdoor Painters of Minnesota group exhibition, “Structural Art”, 801 Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (February 2022)
• Oil Painters of America's 2021 Salon Show Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils, Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Gainesville, GA (June 2021)
"Cedars in Springtime"
This stand of lovely old cedars and fellow oaks form an earthy and inviting backdrop for this rocky hillside near my home. Warm southern winds and overcast, lavender skies usher in Spring as I paint! ~M
"Cedars in Springtime"
16 x 24" oil on linen, plein air, 2016
Lineage
• Finalist in the 13th Annual International Art Renewal Center's ARC Salon Competition (plein air category) and featured in their ARC Salon Competition Catalog; Approximately 390 pages showcasing images of all 1076 finalist works (2017/2018)
• Honorable Mention in Oil Painters of America's Fall Signature & Associate Online Showcase,(December 2016)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
• Outdoor Painters of Minnesota group exhibition, “Minnesota Landscapes”, The Minnesota State Capital, St. Paul, MN (January to June 2020)
• Oil Painters of America’s “Virtuosos of the OPA” exhibition, Cutter & Cutter Fine Art, St. Augustine, FL (March 2019)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Color Harmonies”, 30+ works inspired by Lyadov’s “The Enchanted Lake”, Respighi’s “The Fountains of Rome”, and Debussy’s “La Mer” performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (March 2018)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Sharing the Harvest”, 30+ works inspired by of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 as well as Kevin Puts’ “Inspiring Beethoven”, performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (November 2018)
• Plein Air Magazine’s Artist Profile "The Next Level is Having Something to Say", Streamline Publishing (February/March 2017)
• Salmagundi Club’s “Landscapes” Exhibition, New York, NY (June 2017)
• Solo Exhibition, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN (November 2017)
• "Truth in Nature" Plein Air Painting Exhibition, Ford Family Gallery: White Bear Center for the Arts, White Bear Lake, MN (July 2016)
• American Impressionist Society's 17th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Seattle, WA (September 2016)
"Love Letter”
In the same way that a word stands for the idea behind it, a landscape can speak to us in layers that unfold as we paint. Here, horizontal bands of Cambrian sandstone whisper the story of the shallow and tropical Paleozoic seas that lapped against basalt cliffs 500 million years ago.
As I rush to capture a shadow quickly sliding across these ancient forms, I settle in to notice where this soft sandstone erodes away. First by the glacier, then man- (1880 railroad), and now by the weather and elements, it has been violently cut into. There, in the deepest wounds, is exposed the sweetest color: tender, vulnerable, nearly glowing. Mother Earth rewards those who read between the lines. ~M
"Love Letter"
24 x 20" oil on linen, plein air, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
"April Showers”
Where there's a will, there's a way - painting the view out my porch window on a rainy day in April. The beautiful St. Croix River Valley and WPA era Basalt walls all around our property - I love the color when they are wet. ~M
"April Showers"
16 x 24" oil on linen, plein air, 2018
Lineage
• Finalist in the 14th Annual International Art Renewal Center's ARC Salon Competition (plein air category) and featured in their ARC Salon Competition Catalog, Art Renewal Center (2019)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Sharing the Harvest”, 30+ works inspired by of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 as well as Kevin Puts’ “Inspiring Beethoven”, performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (November 2018)
• "Truth in Nature" Plein Air Painting Exhibition, Ford Family Gallery: White Bear Center for the Arts, White Bear Lake, MN (July 2016)
"Just Plein Lovely”
Sometimes it just works... an instinctive and intuitive response where every brushstroke just falls into place! ~M
"Just Plein Lovely"
16 x 20" oil on linen, plein air, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
"Wind Chimes"
What superb weather we had to paint our beautiful model 2 afternoons that week! Light breeze, zero bugs, with the company of singing orioles, wrens, mourning doves and ... wind chimes! ~M
"Wind Chimes"
20 x 16" oil on linen, plein air, 2020
Lineage
• American Impressionist Society’s Online Exhibition (September 2020)
"Low Water Grasses”
I am greeted by a shroud of fog this morning on the river, by the boat landing near the campground. For more than an hour, it dances through the valley, veiling, revealing, and then again obscuring islands, riverbanks, and occasionally signs of life. The only constant is the unbelievable quality of the yellow-green grasses that have taken up life on the low water sandy shoreline. ~M
"Low Water Grasses"
9 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
"Peaceful Afternoon"
"Peaceful Afternoon"
14 x 20" oil on linen, plein air, 2023
For all sales-related inquiries, please reach out to the gallery directly: michelle@cassensfineart.com
Lineage
• Exhibited in the American Impressionist Society's 26th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Cassens Fine Art in Hamilton, MT (August to September 2025)
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
"Spring Chi!"
"Spring Chi!"
16 x 24" oil on linen, plein air, 2020
Lineage
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
“The First Barn”
“The First Barn”
8 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2020
Lineage
• Outdoor Painters of Minnesota group exhibition, “Structural Art”, 801 Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (February 2022)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
"Catching the Light"
"Catching the Light"
8 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
“River Pocket”
"River Pocket"
30 x 40" oil on linen, plein air and studio, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, "Time Stands Still", 39 paintings, Jaques Art Center, Aitkin, MN (August 2015)
• Featured in "Catalog of Selected Works by Mary Pettis, Expressive Realist", ©2015, Blurb Publishing (August 2015)
"Balsam Branch Spring"
"Balsam Branch Spring"
8 x 16" oil on linen, plein air, 2018
Lineage
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Sharing the Harvest”, 30+ works inspired by of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 as well as Kevin Puts’ “Inspiring Beethoven”, performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (November 2018)
"Not Alone”
"Not Alone"
8 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
"River Study"
"River Study"
12 x 9" oil on linen, plein air, 2015
Lineage
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
• Featured in the American Society of Marine Artist’s News & Journal article, “Inland Waters, Awareness, Reverie & Absolution” (Summer 2020)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, "Time Stands Still", 39 paintings, Jaques Art Center, Aitkin, MN (August 2015)
• Featured in "Catalog of Selected Works by Mary Pettis, Expressive Realist", ©2015, Blurb Publishing (August 2015)
"The Pines at Nevers Dam”
"The Pines at Nevers Dam”
16 x 20" oil on linen, plein air/studio, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, "Beyond the Surface", 25+ works inspired by Debussy's Images, performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (June 2017)
• Featured in exhibition catalog, “Beyond the Surface: A Collaboration Across Time and Media” (2017)
"Fog Lifting"
"Fog Lifting"
9 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
"The Place to Be"
"The Place to Be"
9 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
"High Waters - Sketch"
"High Waters - Sketch"
9 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2022
Lineage
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
"Dancing Dawn"
"Dancing Dawn"
16 x 20" oil on linen, from memory, 2023
Selected for OPA's 34th National Exhibition
Available Through Herrig Center for the Arts
Lineage
• Exhibited in Oil Painters of America's National 34th National Juried Exhibition, Herrig Center for the Arts, Bradenton, FL (May to June 2025)
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
"The Swan's Pond"
"The Swan's Pond"
8 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2023
Lineage
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
"The Old Dock”
Whenever I see an old dock I wonder about the hands that built it. What kind of boat did it originally anchor… wooden, metal, rowboat, or canoe? I recall the two docks built by my dad and grandpa when I was five, and I can attest to the fact that a dock is a threshold to adventure. What kind of day will we have? Returning to the dock, tired and happy, what kind of day has it been? ~M
"The Old Dock"
16 x 20" oil on linen, plein air, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
• Cover and feature article, The American Society of marine Artists' Winter 2022 issue of News & Journal, "Mary Pettis - A Surge of Connectedness" (January 2022)
"Pas de Deux"
Decades ago, I read from John F. Carlson: “Every tree is a personality, and possesses within its specie a tremendous latitude of expression.” He shares his thoughts on their dignity, nature, growth, and movement, and recalls that Emerson spoke of trees as “little men”. If a tree is found to twist and turn, it does so for a reason, especially when it shares space with a neighboring tree. The give and take create a rhythm and flow of shapes and spaces. Pas de Deux is an elegant dance for two. ~M
“Pas de Deux”
8 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2022
Lineage
• Exhibited in the American Impressionist Society's 24th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Somerville Manning Gallery, Greenville, DE (August 2023)
"Beautiful Dawn”
As morning breaks, individual characters slowly emerge with the ambient light…like words whispering ever more clearly. What will today’s message be? ~M
"Beautiful Dawn"
6 x 8" oil on linen, plein air, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
"Break of Dawn”
As morning breaks, individual characters slowly emerge with the ambient light…like words whispering ever more clearly. What will today’s message be? ~M
"Break of Dawn"
6 x 8" oil on linen, plein air, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
"St. Croix Corner”
This simple scene was painted during one of my favorite visual feasts in Minnesota, as summer yields to autumn. I love the warm subtlety peeking through leaves of crops, seeding grasses and lush pastures before October's blast of color spills across our landscape. The smells of the impending harvest, the crisp, cool air and harvest moons inspire the philosopher in me and I can't help but hope that viewing my paintings will bring peace and warm memories to someone who loves this time of year as I do. ~M
"St. Croix Corner"
9 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2014
Lineage
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Color Harmonies”, 30+ works inspired by Lyadov’s “The Enchanted Lake”, Respighi’s “The Fountains of Rome”, and Debussy’s “La Mer” performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (March 2018)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Sharing the Harvest”, 30+ works inspired by of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 as well as Kevin Puts’ “Inspiring Beethoven”, performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (November 2018)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, "Beyond the Surface", 25+ works inspired by Debussy's Images, performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (June 2017)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, "Time Stands Still", 39 paintings, Jaques Art Center, Aitkin, MN (August 2015)
• Featured in "Catalog of Selected Works by Mary Pettis, Expressive Realist", ©2015, Blurb Publishing (August 2015)
"Valley of Vineyards”
It is wonderful to see vineyards scattered throughout the watershed of the St. Croix Valley. Here, I am laying the groundwork in anticipation of a burst of color at the end of the day. ~M
"Valley of Vineyards"
18 x 24" oil on linen, plein air, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
"Spring Path”
I love the eternal symbolism of Spring growth peeking through last year's long ochre grasses! Bare branches will soon be laden with honeysuckle and lilacs. What will this year bring? Where will this path lead? Painting 100 yards behind my Minnesota studio, I welcome the rhythm of the season! ~M
"Spring Path"
16 x 24" oil on linen, plein air, 2016
Lineage
• Finalist in the 14th Annual International Art Renewal Center's ARC Salon Competition (plein air category) and featured in their ARC Salon Competition Catalog, Art Renewal Center (2019)
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Impressionist Sketches from Minnesota and Abroad”, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN (November/December 2019)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Sharing the Harvest”, 30+ works inspired by of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 as well as Kevin Puts’ “Inspiring Beethoven”, performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (November 2018)
• Plein Air Magazine’s Artist Profile "The Next Level is Having Something to Say", Streamline Publishing (February/March 2017)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, "Beyond the Surface", 25+ works inspired by Debussy's Images, performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (June 2017)
• Featured in exhibition catalog, “Beyond the Surface: A Collaboration Across Time and Media” (2017)
• Solo Exhibition, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN (November 2017)
• "Truth in Nature" Plein Air Painting Exhibition, Ford Family Gallery: White Bear Center for the Arts, White Bear Lake, MN (July 2016)
"October Sunday Morning”
There is a photo that was taken at the end of day one. In it, you can see that I have prepared the underpainting to be ready for the next morning's first light, for the rich saturation of color that lasts for about 10 minutes when the sun first clears the east bank! ~M
"October Sunday Morning"
8 x 16" oil on linen, plein air, 2021
Lineage
• Exhibited in "In Stillness - An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Mary Pettis, ARCLM" a solo exhibition of 42 paintings held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (WBUUC). A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to WBUUC. (September 2023 to October 2023)
• Exhibited in "Watershed" - a solo exhibition of 80+ paintings, in partnership with Wild Rivers Conservancy, held in Boulderwall at The Acreage, Osceola, WI. A portion of the proceeds from this show were donated to Wild Rivers Conservancy (November 2021 – January 2022)
• Featured in "Watershed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Mary’s Pettis" online exhibition catalog, by Jen Nash Kochevar (November 2021)
"Gentle Glow"
Nestled along the St. Croix river valley, this hazy, bucolic scene captivated me. What a joy to paint in the silence as the sun slipped near the horizon! ~M
"Gentle Glow"
12 x 16 oil on linen, plein air, 2007
Lineage
• Solo Exhibition, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN (November 2017)
• Minnetonka Center for the Arts “Menagerie: Animals in Art” exhibition (March 2016)
• Outdoor Painters of Minnesota Exhibition of Plein Air Painting in Minnesota, MSP International Airport (June to September 2016)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, "Time Stands Still", 39 paintings, Jaques Art Center, Aitkin, MN (August 2015)
• Featured in "Catalog of Selected Works by Mary Pettis, Expressive Realist", ©2015, Blurb Publishing (August 2015)
"My Summer Lilies”
I love the lilies in my garden this year! Individually they are captivating, collectively they form a visual orchestra of richness and depth. ~M
"My Summer Lilies"
16 x 24" oil on linen, plein air, 2019
Lineage
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Impressionist Sketches from Minnesota and Abroad”, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN (November/December 2019)
Mary's Reflections & Painting Lineage
"East Shore Morning"
"East Shore Morning"
8 x 12" oil on linen, plein air demo, 2024
(Madeline Island, WI)
"What It's All About"
"What It's All About"
11 x 14" oil on linen, plein air, 2012
(West Bearskin Lake, Camp Menogyn, MN)
Lineage
• Featured in "Catalog of Selected Works by Mary Pettis, Expressive Realist", ©2015, Blurb Publishing (August 2015)
"Passing Showers"
"Passing Showers"
8 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2024
(Balsam Lake, Bovey, MN)
"The Beaver Stream"
"The Beaver Stream"
9 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2019
(Balsam Lake, Bovey, MN)
Lineage
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Impressionist Sketches from Minnesota and Abroad”, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN (November/December 2019)
"Lake Superior Waterfall"
"Lake Superior Waterfall"
12 x 16" oil on linen, plein air, 2013
(North Shore, MN)
Lineage
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, "Time Stands Still", 39 paintings, Jaques Art Center, Aitkin, MN (August 2015)
• Featured in "Catalog of Selected Works by Mary Pettis, Expressive Realist", ©2015, Blurb Publishing (August 2015)
• Featured Artist, Midwest Destination section in American Art Collector (June 2014)
"Being Kids Up North”
"Being Kids Up North"
8 x 10" oil on linen, plein air, 2009
(Balsam Lake, Bovey, MN)
Lineage
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Impressionist Sketches from Minnesota and Abroad”, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN (November/December 2019)
"Cinque Terre Boat”
“Cinque Terre Boat”
16 x 20" oil on linen, plein air, 2018
(Cinque Terre, Italy)
"Fishing Boats - Vernazza"
"Fishing Boats - Vernazza"
9 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2019
(Vernazza, Italy)
“Power and Glory”
The experience of painting this in one sitting was truly one of my most exhilarating in the 40 years I’ve been plein air painting. I would watch for a huge wave in the distance, wait for it to reach the rocks, study it, and try to capture the effect. Then I would go about the rest of the painting while I waited for the next big swell. ~M
“Power and Glory”
16 x 20” oil on linen, plein air, 2014
(Kapalua Bay, Maui, HI)
"Bali Hai at Mount Makana"
"Bali Hai at Mount Makana"
9 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, 2019
(Kauai, HI)
Lineage
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Impressionist Sketches from Minnesota and Abroad”, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN (November/December 2019)
"End of an Era"
What first attracted me to this spot was the morning light bouncing in and around these structures. The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Mill is in the midst of its last harvest, signaling the end of an era. One of the great benefits of Plein air events is that artists are recording local history. ~M
"End of an Era"
16 x 20" oil on linen, plein air, 2016
(Maui, HI)
"Overcast Lavenders"
"Overcast Lavenders"
8 x 16" oil on linen, plein air, 2005
(Provenence, France)
Lineage
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Impressionist Sketches from Minnesota and Abroad”, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN (November/December 2019)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Color Harmonies”, 30+ works inspired by Lyadov’s “The Enchanted Lake”, Respighi’s “The Fountains of Rome”, and Debussy’s “La Mer” performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (March 2018)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Sharing the Harvest”, 30+ works inspired by of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 as well as Kevin Puts’ “Inspiring Beethoven”, performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (November 2018)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, "Beyond the Surface", 25+ works inspired by Debussy's Images, performed in tandem by The Minnesota Orchestra, Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN (June 2017)
• Featured in exhibition catalog, “Beyond the Surface: A Collaboration Across Time and Media” (2017)
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, "Time Stands Still", 39 paintings, Jaques Art Center, Aitkin, MN (August 2015)
Mary's Reflections & Painting Lineage
"Grandma's Favorites"
Painting these petunias reminded me of the wide-eyed girl I was, peering over the edge of the wooden porch table that was my grandma's greenhouse. ~M
"Grandma's Favorites"
8 x 16" oil on linen, alla prima (1.5 - 2 hrs), 2020
"Yellow Ruffles”
I absolutely loved the vibrant flat patter of these sister Day Lilies, dancing freely in my garden. I tried not to fuss any more than they did! ~M
"Yellow Ruffles"
8 x 12" oil on linen, plein air, alla prima (1.5- 2hrs), 2020
"Red and White Study"
"Red and White Study"
20 x 16" oil on linen, alla prima, 2019
Lineage
• Exhibited in solo exhibition, “Impressionist Sketches from Minnesota and Abroad”, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN (November/December 2019)
