ARTIST STATEMENT
I'm thrilled to share my journey as an artist. I paint what visually intrigues me, capturing moments where color, light, and form interact in unexpected and beautiful ways. When I paint, it is a blend of intuition and intention. I’m drawn to familiar scenes that come alive through composition, atmosphere, and emotional resonance.
The process of choosing what to paint is deeply personal. I follow whatever captures my imagination, whether it is the way light falls across a surface, the contrast of shadows, or the harmony of colors. Inspiration often arrives in surprising ways. Observing the world around me and connecting deeply with my environment is where the magic begins.
Working primarily in oil, I focus on color, lighting, and design to give each piece its own distinct energy. My goal is to create paintings that invite reflection, spark emotion, and offer the viewer a place to pause and connect. I hope you enjoy exploring my work and discovering your own meaning within these vibrant landscapes of color and light.
ARTIST BIO
Maryellen Finan is a versatile artist based in New Jersey, whose passion lies in painting and drawing. As a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City with a degree in Illustration, she has been trained as both a designer and illustrator. Early in her career, Maryellen specialized in garment and textile design within the fashion industry.
Through her current paintings, Maryellen now explores the dynamic interplay of color, design, and composition. Maryellen's dedication to her painting has led to inclusion in group and juried exhibitions. To further refine her techniques, she has taken workshops with renowned artists like Charles Reid, Mel Stabin, and Eli Rosenthal.
Exhibitions:
Mill Members Art Show , Phillips Mill, New Hope, PA
Maker’s Alley 5th Fall Exhibition, Lambertville, NJ
Art Center Of Northern New Jersey, New Milford, NJ
Morris County Art Association, Morristown, NJ
Morris County Hall of Records, NJ Watercolor Society Associate Members Exhibit.
Ridgewood Art Institute, Ridgewood, NJ
Oradell Arts and Business Coalition Annual Show , Hiram Blauvelt Museum
Romano Gallery @ Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ
Awards:
1st Place Award, Acrylic Painting, “Tulips”
Art Center of NNJ, Focus Tri-State Juried Show, Summer Spectrum
2nd Place Award, Watercolor, Annual Members Exhibition, Art Center Northern NJ
Best In Show, Members Exhibition Watercolor Painting,”Three Hens and a Dish”, Morris County Art Association, Annual Juried Show