Artist's Bio

Check my blog every Monday and Thursday!

Mary Telfer first developed a passion for creating large floral
paintings in watercolor or oil while earning her BFA at Northern
Illinois University. Later, motivated by simply wanting her adult
students to try new things, she expanded this passion to include the
rich color of soft pastels and subjects beyond florals. Her signature
fluid, sensual and organic florals are complemented by her bold,
color-drenched landscapes and evocative animal portraits.

Mary is a nationally recognized artist and a popular art teacher. Her
work has been juried into several national and local (Chicago area)
exhibits. She has been interviewed on Martha Stewart satellite radio
channel about the business of art and is currently writing a book on
the same subject. Her work has been featured in the national
publications Giftware News and Home Business Magazine. Her line of
prints and stationery products are now sold in boutiques around the
U.S. and Caribbean. Her students' work has flourished in the creative
atmosphere of her classes and workshops.

All of her creations come about organically, through inspiring,
seemingly simple, experiences - for example, her note cards originated
as cartoons drawn for her young daughters and continued as coffeehouse
sketches done while relaxing with friends. Life - be it Mary's dogs,
her friends, or simply random images she encounters - continues to
inspire her to create new and true art.

Mary is currently accepting students for workshops in her McHenry,
Illinois studio and is available to create custom-commissioned
paintings.