MJ’s love of art started at a young age. In middle school her art teachers would drop their class off at a botanical garden where she was allowed to find a shady spot and paint for the afternoon.
Looking back she treasures that experience of being able to truly connect with nature. And throughout her life has kept the practice of bringing a sketchbook and some watercolors with her on adventures.
Always more to see and learn
Her rich art influence in her journey eventually led her to complete a Masters in Art Education from the University of Florida. MJ paints impressionistic contemporary landscapes in oils and watercolor. She is invigorated by the fact much like exploring the outdoors, painting can never be truly conquered. There is always more to see and learn.
Sharing a love of painting outdoors
She enjoys painting in an impressionistic style because much like her painting hero, Jill Carver, says, “The power of suggestion is a lot more interesting than the statement of certainty.” Her goal is to inspire more people to paint the great outdoors in Colorado Springs. One of the ways she is working on that is by teaching watercolor classes at Surface Gallery and in the great outdoors.. She is inspired by her students and excited by what the next horizon will bring.
“Ultimately, light is the mother of life. Where there is no light. there can be no life. If the angle of the sun were to turn away from the earth, all human, animal, and vegetative life, as we know it, would disappear. Ice would freeze the earth again. Light is the secret presence of the divine. It keeps life awake· Light is a nurturing presence, which calls forth warmth and color in nature. The soul awakens and lives in light. It helps us to glimpse the sacred depths within us.”
John O’Donohue - Anam Cara
Explore MJ’s art
Explore MJ’s landscape paintings in oils and watercolor, or join her for a class in Colorado Springs. Learn to look a little closer at the world around you and find your own way to paint it.