Mary Ann Beckwith
Artist's Statement
My paintings are developed in very conscious layers. Spraying liquid watercolors is how I develop the first layer. Intensely colored and textured paintings are the primary result of each finished piece. Next, select areas are masked and a white or light opaque layer is added to the painting. At this stage the structure or basic design of each piece is my primary concern. The final stage is the integrating of the first layers by adding contrast and symbols. Watercolor crayon, watercolor pencil lines and carefully applied washes are used to unite the substructure and the design layer.
My paintings are developed in very conscious layers. Spraying liquid watercolors is how I develop the first layer. Intensely colored and textured paintings are the primary result of each finished piece. Next, select areas are masked and a white or light opaque layer is added to the painting. At this stage the structure or basic design of each piece is my primary concern. The final stage is the integrating of the first layers by adding contrast and symbols. Watercolor crayon, watercolor pencil lines and carefully applied washes are used to unite the substructure and the design layer.
Messages
Mary Ann Beckwith
Mary Ann Beckwith is equally a painter and teacher with a passion for both. A Professor of Art Emeritus at Michigan Technological University, she has twice been the recipient of the University’s Distinguished Teaching Award. She is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Allied Artists, Watercolor Honor Society of Watercolor USA, International Society of Experimental Artists (Nautilus Fellow), Society of Layerists in Multimedia, Transparent Watercolor Society of America, as well as the many more. She has served on the boards of many watercolor societies and judged numerous exhibits.
mabeckwi@mtu.edu
Mary Ann Beckwith is equally a painter and teacher with a passion for both. A Professor of Art Emeritus at Michigan Technological University, she has twice been the recipient of the University’s Distinguished Teaching Award. She is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Allied Artists, Watercolor Honor Society of Watercolor USA, International Society of Experimental Artists (Nautilus Fellow), Society of Layerists in Multimedia, Transparent Watercolor Society of America, as well as the many more. She has served on the boards of many watercolor societies and judged numerous exhibits.
mabeckwi@mtu.edu