Friday, January 9, 2009

Mary Shanley Gates


January 18th through February 28th, 2009

Mary Shanley Gates has spent most of her life in Connecticut, except for two and a half years as a VISTA volunteer in Montana. She worked in the Brookfield school system for thirty two years as a teacher and curriculum coordinator. She co-authored a teacher resource book, Living with the Land, published in 1998. With her husband, Timothy, she has been a New Milford resident for more than thirty years. She recently published a 2009 calendar, Lighthouse Landscapes, from her original paintings.

The strong use of color can be seen in Mary’s work. Two styles of painting that she has always been drawn to are Impressionism and primitive Americana. Some of her favorite artists are Van Gogh, Monet, Grandma Moses, and Charles Wysocki. She is most satisfied when her work makes viewers smile.

Mary works primarily in acrylics, but has used other media such as oils, pastels, water colors, and gouache. Some of her work is currently displayed at Building Block Art Supply and Gallery in Ridgefield, CT.

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