Mary Ann Stafford

Although I have occasionally painted animals, still life, and/or figures, my major subject matter is the landscape. I want my viewers to feel the serenity of nature as opposed to the fast, complicated aspects of modern life, assisting them in slowing down and really seeing the world around them. I work sometimes in acrylic, colored pencil, or pen and ink, but pastel is my favored medium because of the brilliant colors, immediacy, and ease of application. I call my style “Romantic Realism” because of its emotional content.
Lately, I have been concentrating on evening or morning scenes of rivers, cities, and colorful skies. Most of these scenes have been painted on black board — I am fascinated by the effects I can achieve with this support. I sometimes make my own textured support which adds to my love of working with this medium.
Currently, my works may be seen at the Butler Center in Little Rock and Eurekan Art in Eureka Springs. Signature membership status has been awarded from the Pastel Society of the Southwest, Mid-Southern Watercolorists, Arkansas Pastel Society, and the Arkansas League of Artists.