My Work Overview

I am a studio painter and I call my style Impressionistic Realism which, as it indicates, is a combination of Impressionism and Realism! I have always admired the work of Impressionistic painters like Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, and Mary Cassatt.  But I also revere the Realistic work of painters such as Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth, and John Singer Sargent.  Another influence has been the illustrative painting style of artists such as Norman Rockwell and Grandma Moses.  I paint in Acrylics which I love due to vibrancy of color, fast drying time, and ease of cleanup.

My subject matter is varied and reflects my life and lifestyle. I love traveling and painting scenes from my travels to numerous cities and towns, reflecting both urban and rural settings.   I’m a native New Englander, born and raised in Massachusetts, and my paintings of the New England areas of Gloucester, Rockport, Newburyport, Cape Cod, Concord, the Berkshires, Boston, along with scenes in Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire reflect my love for that region.  My pieces also depict such places as the Finger Lakes of New York, and beloved Canada regions like Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.  Basically, if I travel somewhere, you can pretty much count on a new artwork following soon after.

Subject Matter

Gallery

As far as my process goes, I paint quickly, boldly, and energetically, using pure unmixed color along with lovingly mixed hues.  I relish the feeling of paint flowing onto the canvas and, after a quick pencil sketch, I’m just itching to pick up my brush.  I turn the music on- an eclectic mix depending on my mood, and get to work! I paint on stretched primed canvas 5/8“- 3/4” depth in various sizes from digital photos which I transfer to my computer photo editor.  I coat the canvas with a wash of yellow ochre paint, usually create a grid, and then do a canvas sketch.  I then paint from the computer screen image where I often enhance the color if required and zoom in on details as needed.  I try to stay true to the general topic but paint it in my signature style using artistic license to enhance the scene. I always seek the light and love to expose the underlying action/dynamism inherent in the scene and share it in a beautiful and unique way.

Process

Occasionally, I do take on a limited number of art commissions for subjects such as family homes, weddings, travel locations and other beloved and very personal topics. It’s always an honor to work on these personal treasures bought for yourself or someone else as a gift! Commissions do run higher than my regular paintings due to time and work involved, communication with the client, and the extra effort and involvement due to the personal nature of the work.  Please contact me by email- mhanlon@maryhanlonfineart.com for inquiries.

Commissions

Can you find me in my paintings?  Yes!  I put my emotions and feelings into every brushstroke, and I need this outlet as an expression of who I am and how I respond to the world.  Painting is a safe and fun place for me- a haven from life’s storms.  Although my artwork is semi-realistic, the canvas sitting expectantly on the easel is a place where I can create my own little worlds far away from the “real world.” I mainly focus on bright, happy scenes as I find that they feed my soul along with providing joy to others,  There is deep magic and satisfaction in this.  I do see myself as an instrument of the God who I worship, and I give thanks for the abilities he has given me. I find that this quote from the Bible sums up my artistic mission- Philippians 4:8 “whatsoever things are lovely.”

I hope that you enjoy my work and that it uplifts your spirit as it does mine in its creation! 

My Motivation and Mission