Mary Hurst

I am compelled by perceptions of an unseen spirit around and within us, both mysterious and beautiful. At the root of my approach as an oil painter is an ability to detect unexpected moments of beauty that provide initial inspiration for painting. My painting process, when most effective, is dominated by a quiet mind and intuitive problem solving. Continual adjustments of lines, forms, and colors are made until the flow of a composition is unblocked, its energy liberated. I build up many translucent layers of paint creating rich, bold colors. My subject matter varies from plant forms and forest scenes, to abstractions of the human figure and animals. My style combines decorative elements with naturalism, and employs small, playful shapes suggestive of symbols. This minute detail is intended to invite the viewer in for closer inspection. Just as the process begins with a pause to appreciate a moment of wonder in nature, the goal of the end result is a new interpretation of this moment, and a parallel pause for a deeper look into our world.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Studio Painting) - West Virginia University, 2009