We were lucky to catch up with Mary Veiga recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mary, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I grew up on a beautiful farm in Maryland where I spent my days riding my horse and exploring on long walks. I enjoyed drawing horses and farm scenes from a very young age. My artwork gained recognition and awards from the time I was in preschool and continued along with my desire to practice and learn more. I knew from that young age that I loved drawing and painting and that it was a part of who I was. So naturally I pursued Art as my career. Having an art career in and of itself is creative and I enjoy the challenge.

Mary, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My work begins by seeking enlightenment through nature.Themes of inner peace and belonging are intentional expressions in my work. Using atmosphere and light by tapping into all of the senses I aim to share this feeling and presence with my viewers.
Growing up on beautiful Maryland farmland I naturally drew inspiration from my surroundings. Spending time Riding my horse through the striking abundance instilled in me a strong sense of attachment and belonging. This inspired me to share my experience through artistic expression. I always loved creating art and began drawing recognition and awards. from a young age. I went on to formal training at The Maryland Institute of Fine Art in Baltimore, Maryland and continued studying with landscape and plein air masters John Brandon Sills and David Buckley Good.
My career began as a freelance artist and then a mural artist. My work has been featured on Youtube@artschoollive ,Western Art Collector Magazine, Maryland Farm and Harvest on MPT, HGTV, WJZ-channel 13, Good Housekeeping Magazine, Voyage Baltimore Magazine, Attraction Magazine, Chesapeake Home and Living, The Baltimore Sun, the Tidewater Times, Youtube@pleinaireastonpodcast adn many more.
Today I paint in both outdoors en Plein air and in my studio in Baltimore and Tilghman Island painting origainals and commissions. I also teach fine art and painting at The Mitchell School of Fine Art and private lessons and workshops. I participate in many Plein air invitational and juried competitions throughout the year recieving numerous awards and recognition. I am currently represented by several galleries. To learn more please visit my website www.maryveigastudio.com or Facebook/Instagram @maryveigastudio

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience is what I consider a main theme in my paintings. Having lost my father at a very young age and then my mother 9 years ago, I have felt a desire to connect more with nature. Nature has always provided comfort and belonging for me, but also a deeper connection with the spiritual world. I seek that connection and sense of peace throughout my work and my hope is that this is channelled through to provide this to my viewers. We have all suffered loss throughout our lives and Id like to provide that comfort and healing resilience I feel through artistic expression.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Yes, as an professional artist I have had to pivot my art career a couple of times. Early on I worked as a freelance illustrator. Then I began painting murals and loved it! I began my own business and it was more lucrative and very successful. It was however very taxing physically. I loved painting landscapes in murals and began studying with landscape instructors and painting en Plein air. Soon after I began selling my paintings in galleries and shows. I learned so much in my practice of illustration and murals but today I am doing what I love as I pivoted in the direction I always wanted and was meant to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maryveigastudio.com
• Instagram: @maryveigastudio
• Facebook: @maryveigastudio
• Linkedin: @maryveigastudio
• Youtube: @maryveigastudio

Image Credits

Mary Veiga