"I have loved art since I was a child, but I was never given art lessons. I did not start painting until after I had my children. I think this somewhat unusual perspective has allowed me to empathize with my painting students, who are searching for ways to express their individuality. Watching students grow is like planting seeds in the earth and watching them blossom into flowers. My experience has proven that anyone can learn to paint if they have the desire and patience to practice their art.
I have been fortunate to have studied with some of the finest painters in the world. Learning something different from each of these artists has expanded my view. We are - after all - a product of all the people and experiences that we encounter. For me, the process of making art has always taken precedence over the product. I love the feeling of paint and brushes on canvas and paper. I do not think that there is one correct way of doing a painting. When a painting reaches a certain stage, it 'tells' me what to do. It is this symbiotic relationship between art and artist that gives “life” to a painting.
I have an ongoing love affair with nature. Much of my work is based on the light, color and the ever changing beauty of the natural world. I often paint flowers, which I tend in my gardens. My most frequently used media is watercolor paint. Bringing natural elements into my studio allows me to study my subject. Though my paintings are representational, I do not attempt to replicate the natural world. Instead, I interpret what I see in the language of the visual artist. This is influenced by both the medium and the technique I chose.
Painting is a way of life for me. I cannot imagine a world without flowers, painting and being surrounded by the beauty of nature.”
Biography
Nationally acclaimed artist Mary La Forge creates a special world through
watercolor and oil. Her favorite subject matters are florals and winter
landscapes. She has recently been drawn to images of the shoreline, and
her seascapes and sea and skyscapes reflect this enchantment. Her love
of nature is reflected in her extensive personal gardens and in her interpretations
of floral arrangements. Her works capture the freshness and light of the
natural environment with rich yet subtle transparent colors of her watercolors
and the brilliant colors of her oils. The results are impressionistic
paintings that go beyond realism to capture a moment in time.
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