About Connie Mae
I create oil paintings that celebrate my love of nature, transporting the viewer into the scene. My style unites the spirit I sense in each place with the joy I find in each detail. I enjoy painting outdoors and also in my studio. My technique begins with an underpainting, then builds with color and glazes. I am often told that viewing my paintings brings a peaceful feeling. This gives me the greatest sense of accomplishment because I am motivated by the peace and beauty I find in nature and by my desire to share that with others.
Biography
I paint both en plein air and use my own photographs for reference for painting in my studio. Influenced by artists such as Andrew Wyeth and Asher B. Durant, I paint in a realistic style that is uniquely mine, skillfully utilizing light, shadow, and color. I grew up with a love of nature, hiking and camping in Michigan’s northern woods with my family. I took art classes throughout my school years, majored in fine art at Spring Arbor University, pursued additional education at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and studied under renowned artists Lorenzo Chavez and Katriel Srebnik. For several years, my artistic attention was devoted to teaching art. Upon moving to West Virginia in 2012, I turned my attention back to oil painting and now work as a full-time artist celebrating the beauty I find outdoors as well as doing commissioned work. My artwork has appeared in numerous exhibitions, it has won many awards, and has been purchased by collectors throughout the U.S. I have also been interviewed on public media. An active member of my community, I have served on local arts councils, created public art, juried local exhibits, and contribute to educational art programs. My professional memberships include Tamarack: The Best of WV and Allied Artists of WV.
