From The Studio: St. Croix River Watershed

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My love for little pockets of lily ponds is no secret. I believe that what intrigues me the most about them is the way in which they invite me into layers of perception. By that I mean how at first I see the objects…the water, the edge of the woods, the pads and their flowers…the things with names. 

As I settle down, I see the white objects…the birch and the lilies, and I notice the invisible rhythm line that connects them.  The same with the reds…pads, grasses, sand, and bark. Then touches of blue dancing across the water’s surface and in the side planes of the flowers and the shadows on the birches as well as their reflection in the waters. 

Before I know it, I am mesmerized in a mandala of deep perception. Now, with this shift in ‘seeing’, I am filled with connections between myself and this little ecosystem. I am dazzled. ~M

"Dazzle"

32 x 26" oil on linen, studio from study, 2024

"Silverbrook Winter"

18 x 24" oil on linen, 2024

I often wonder about the first “spark” that makes my heart skip a beat when I have an experience that I know will somehow end up on a canvas. I wonder if what I sense as beautiful is felt in the same way by others; I wonder if that matters. What I know for sure is that I am blessed to have a vocation where I can contemplate Beauty, and where I am compelled to give it expression with the meager tools I have. ~M    

"Beauty Matters"

32 x 26" oil on linen, studio from study, 2024

"Where the Air is Music"

14 x 20" oil on linen, studio from plein air sketch, 2023

 Lineage

• Exhibited in the American Impressionist Society's 25th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Rockport Art Association and Museum, Rockport, MA (September/October 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) 

There is a subtle and primal beauty in wild stillness. Beyond our first response to cloudy days, we can make the choice to welcome and indeed, treasure them, as the lens and light of opalescent grey skies invite a glimpse of a contemplative life filled with metaphor. ~M

"Scenic and Wild"

20 x 30" oil on linen, 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)

•Oil Painters of America’s National Exhibition of Traditional Oils, Reinert Fine Art Gallery, Charleston, SC  (April 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) 

"Write It On Your Heart"

24 x 38" oil on linen, 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 gentle mood of Debussy's Arabesque #1 is in perfect accord with how I was feeling as I painted the first color studies and especially this larger piece. I sank into the creation of this larger painting, recalling how I was transported beyond my Self as the sunset unfolded before me. Music often affects me in the same way. Listen carefully to Debussy's piece...and you will see what I mean! ~M

"First Arabesque"

24 x 36" oil on linen, 2017

 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, "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) 

 • "Making Waves: An Exploration of the Maritime World of Art" Exhibition, Williamsburg Art Gallery, Williamsburg, VA (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) 

This scene is along the back roads in western Chiscago County (MN). I did a 16 x 20” plein air painting on location. As I was completing the painting, toward the end of the day, this incredible light effect occurred. It lasted only 10 or 15 minutes – it was so ephemeral - so I stood there and tried to lock it in. When I returned home, I knew I had a very special painting awaiting the white 30 x 40” canvas on my easel. Shortly thereafter, with the luxury of studio time, I was able to zero in on the final mood I wanted to capture. ~M

“In Harmony”

30 x 40″ oil on linen, 2017

 Lineage

• Finalist in the 13th Annual International Art Renewal Center's ARC Salon Competition (landscape category) and featured in their ARC Salon Competition Catalog; Approximately 390 pages showcasing images of all 1076 finalist works (2017/2018)

• 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)

• Featured in exhibition catalog, “Beyond the Surface: A Collaboration Across Time and Media” (2017)

• Oil Painters of America's Blog "The OTHER Artistic Perspective" blog entry by Mary Pettis (June 11, 2017)  

• Featured in “Master Class Handbook: A Guide for Creating and Understanding Great Paintings”  

“Cottonwoods and Prairie Flowers"

30 x 40” oil on linen, 2017

 Lineage

• Finalist in the 13th Annual International Art Renewal Center's ARC Salon Competition (landscape category) and featured in their ARC Salon Competition Catalog; Approximately 390 pages showcasing images of all 1076 finalist works (2017/2018)

• 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, “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) 

• Oil Painters of America's Blog "The OTHER Artistic Perspective" blog entry by Mary Pettis (June 11, 2017) 

• Solo Exhibition, Edward Curtis Gallery, The Minneapolis Club, Minneapolis, MN (November 2017) 

 I love the plein air painting created at D.D.Kennedy Environmental Area along the Balsam Branch River (see “Just Plein Lovely”). Sometimes a scene imprints so deeply on my heart, and the impression is so strong, that I feel compelled to explore it on a larger scale in my studio. There, I have the luxury of time to take the impression apart and put it back together again, to orchestrate the shapes, values, and edges, to understand and bring out the qualities that make us feel like we have all been to this place before. This classic motif is familiar and welcoming. We know it; it’s a universal theme. It is an archetype that somehow taps into our shared experience. ~M

"Ethereal Morning"

28 x 48" oil on linen, 2023

 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)  

 One of my favorite authors, John O’Donohue, wrote: “When we awaken to the call of Beauty, we become aware of new ways of being in the world.” In uncertain and unsheltered times it can be difficult to look beyond the controversies and the struggles of the day. There is a coarseness and ugliness that can wear us down, blind us, and rob the grace from our vision. 

We can find solace in Beauty. Through the contemplation of nature and of art that points to nature, we can attend to our troubled souls. 

Here, the valley’s vast expanse, seen through an overcast veil of light, offers us a sense of order, coherence, and unity; it invites the possibility of inner peace. ~M

“Contemplation”

30 x 40″ oil on linen, 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)  

"Sunrise on the St. Croix"

20 x 30″ oil on linen, 2017

 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) 

•Feature article, ASMA’s Summer 2020 News & Journal, titled “Inland Waters, Awareness, Reverie & Absolution” 

• 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, "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) 

The relationship of color masses in the waning light of day is most tender and sentient. The grass is more aromatic, the air moister on my skin, and the calls from a handful of crows seem to resonate and echo with intent across the valley. We live for moments like these. ~M

"A Storytelling of Crows"

16 x 24" oil on linen, 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) 

• Outdoor Painters of Minnesota group exhibition, “Structural Art”, 801 Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (February 2022)

"The Back Pasture"

28 x 48″ oil on linen, 2018

 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, “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)

"October Fields"

16 x 20″ oil on linen, 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)

These brothers at Spanglers Landing reminded me of my boys growing up in rural Osceola. We were so very grateful to live in a land filled with abundant lakes and rivers, adventures available for the use of every family, rich or poor. ~M

"Fishing Buddies"

18 x 24" oil on linen, 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) 

"Meadow at Dusk"

16 x 20" oil on linen, 2015

 Lineage

• Exhibited in solo exhibition, "Time Stands Still", 39 paintings, Jaques Art Center, Aitkin, MN (August 2015)

"Promise of a New Dawn"

24 x 32" oil on linen, 2023

(Big Balsam Lake, MN)

 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)

“Le Pont de Bois”

20 x 24″ oil on linen, 2017

(Big Balsam Lake, MN)

 Lineage

• Featured in exhibition catalog, “Beyond the Surface: A Collaboration Across Time and Media” (2017) • Exhibited in Mary’s 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, “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)

This painting recalls one of my most extraordinary mornings while visiting our son in Petersburg, Alaska. The first fresh snow of the season blanketed the mountain the previous night. Together, we watched the pageant of the sunrise, the fog lifting, and the fishermen heading out early. ~M

"First Snow on the Mountains – Heading Out on Wrangell Narrows”

11 x 13.5" oil on linen, 2022

(Petersburg, Alaska)

This little courtyard in Genoa, Italy, has been a subject stewing on my back burner for a few years. I loved the energy pouring from the colorful fruit market in the dim surroundings; the owner greeting his familiar patrons with endearing gusto. ~M

"Midday in Genoa" 

22 x 18" oil on linen, 2022

(Genoa, Italy)

 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) 

To me, the numerous ghost towns in Michigan's Upper Peninsula are hauntingly beautiful. This subject, "Shaft House #4", is from the abandoned 1884 Champion Copper Mine. These weathered buildings under gray, sympathetic skies, are rich with colors, textures, and have the tender feel of countless untold stories. ~M

"Copper Mine Footprints"

16 x 28" oil on linen, 2021

(Upper Peninsula, MI)

 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 East Shore" 

20 x 16" oil on linen, 2023

(Lake Tahoe, NV)