Celebrating 25 Years in Asheville: Mary Webster

www.marywebsterandassociates.com

After many years of study, I received my MFA from Tufts University and the Museum School of Fine Arts in Boston. Armed with a passion for painting and rent to pay, I was faced with the question, "How could I earn a living as an artist?". I decided to add muralist and decorative painter to my repertoire. It was a wonderful choice!

I started Mary Webster and Associates in 1988. We specialize in public and private murals that range in size and complexity. We also have the ability to transform spaces from fine to fabulous with custom paint, glazes and faux finishes. I've painted miles and miles of commissioned work. It has been a wonderful journey and continues to be a challenging and interesting way to make a living.

However, a few years ago I started getting a "yearning" ... a little voice in my ear that said, "It's time to paint personal work too". I started painting when I wasn't painting!

In much of my work I use techniques used by the great Dutch Masters of the Golden Age of Painting. I begin by painting an underpainting in sepia tones and white. Once the tones have been established I begin layering glazes of color. It's time consuming but I find that I get greater depth than direct painting. It also helps me develop shadow, detail and reflective light.

A few years ago, I painted and gilded a large icon for a Greek Cathedral in Springfield, MA. When the job was complete, I had a couple of books of 23K gold leaf. That was the beginning of my my animal icon series. They are mostly birds and look magical by candlelight!

Since I moved to Asheville in 2011, I've "branched out" with my bird nests. Often when I begin one, I think to myself, "How am I going to do this?". They are very complex and challenging!

But then, like the little bird, I compose the nest twig by twig. As I continue this work, I'm learning more and more about nature. I find it fascinating!